Minister for Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has announced a GHC100,000.00 insurance package for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who sustain permanent injuries in the line of duty.

He made this known during an address as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, at a passing-out ceremony of 1,658 recruits on June 20.

The sector minister explained that under the package, “GH₵50,000.00 will be paid to firefighters sustaining non-permanent injuries in the line of duty.”

“GH₵100,000.00 will be awarded in cases of permanent disability in the line of duty. GH₵100,000.00 will be given in the event of a firefighter’s death on active duty. Even natural deaths while in service will attract a benefit of GH₵50,000.00,” he further added.

He clarified that in the case of death in the line of duty, the family of the deceased officer will receive GH₵100,000.00.

According to the sector minister, the introduction of this new insurance package for all GNFS personnel is aimed at boosting morale and ensuring financial security for officers injured or killed in their line of duty.

“This is just the beginning. We are committed to improving welfare packages, logistics support, and working conditions for our gallant fire officers, whose sacrifices often go unnoticed,” he added.

Prior to the minister’s insurance announcement, the GNFS bemoaned the absence of an insurance package that ensures its officers who get injured in the line of duty are catered for.

The grand passing-out parade held at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown, Accra, marks the successful completion of training by Course 55, comprising 1,658 recruits, made up of 843 men and 815 women who have now officially joined the frontlines of national emergency response.

The sector minister commended the recruits for their resilience, dedication, and patriotism.

Four exceptional recruits were honored for their outstanding performance during the course. Recruit Fireman Samuel Kenneth Ayibontey was named the Overall Best Recruit for excelling across all training modules. Recruit Fireman Anamfo Gerrard Adombila received the award for Best in Academics.

Recruit Fireman Emmanuel Addo Ahunu was recognized as Best in Foot Drill. Recruit Firewoman Anita Awagah earned the Commandant’s Award for Best Conduct.