The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has welcomed a total of 1,658 recruits following an eight-month training programme at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown, Accra.

843 men and 815 women were officially inducted into the service on Friday, June 20, at Recruit Course 55.

The graduation ceremony witnessed a parade and live demonstrations from the firefighters.

In a speech, Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour, Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, applauded the recruits for undergoing a successful training.

He reiterated the government's commitment to enhance welfare and morale within the service.

According to him, firefighters who experience non-permanent injuries in the line of executing their duties are entitled to GHS50,000.

With those who may die or suffer permanent injuries will on duty, will receive GH₵100,000.

In addition, if a firefighter dies from a non-duty-related incident and is still serving, their family will receive GHS50,000 compensation.

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.

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.

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.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), an initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country, continues to receive major support from stakeholders.

Some 11 agencies under the Ministry of the Interior have collectively donated GH¢1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund at a short ceremony at Jubilee House in Accra.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who led the team for the donation, explained that it was a gesture of goodwill, as sickness knows no boundaries and can affect anyone.

The breakdown of the contributions made by the agencies is as follows: Ghana Police Service (GH¢580,000), Ghana Immigration Service (GH¢100,000), Ghana National Fire Service (GH¢50,000), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) (GH¢50,000), and the Ghana Prisons Service (GH¢50,000).Others include the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) (GH¢10,000), National Identification Authority (NIA) (GH¢50,000), Gaming Commission (GH¢50,000), Ghana Refugees Board (GH¢5,000), National Peace Council (GH¢5,000) and the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (GH¢10,000).`The Minister for the Interior and National Security, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, also made a personal contribution of GH¢50,000, while the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, also donated GH¢30,000.

President John Dramani Mahama expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and its agencies for their support, emphasizing that the initiative is rooted in compassion, equity, and shared national responsibility.The Cabinet had approved a bill for the Mahama Cares Fund.