- 16 deaths and 110 injuries from fires (Jan–June 2025)
- 3,595 fire incidents recorded nationwide, up by 0.53%
- Prank calls down by 34.77% due to awareness efforts
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported an increase in fire-related deaths and injuries during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, prompting renewed appeals for strict adherence to fire safety protocols.
Between January and June 2025, 16 fatalities and 110 injuries were recorded from fire incidents—up from 12 deaths and 30 injuries reported in the same timeframe last year.
The GNFS also documented 3,595 fire outbreaks nationwide, a slight increase of 19 cases (0.53%) over the 3,576 incidents registered in 2024.
The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of cases at 628, followed by Ashanti with 581 and Central with 408. The North East Region had the fewest incidents, with only 10 reported.
According to the GNFS, the rise in cases is primarily due to the severe harmattan experienced earlier this year and widespread disregard for basic fire safety practices.
Major causes of the fires included electrical faults, unattended cooking, careless use of open flames, gas leakages, and indiscriminate bush burning.
On a more encouraging note, prank calls to the Service dropped significantly by 34.77%, falling from 364,020 in 2024 to 237,470 in 2025—an improvement attributed to ongoing public education efforts.
During the reporting period, the GNFS also managed to salvage property worth over GH¢203 million.
In response to the uptick in incidents, the Service announced plans to ramp up public fire safety education, increase inspections and safety audits, train community fire volunteers, and collaborate with road safety agencies to prevent vehicle fires.
The GNFS urged the public to refrain from making prank calls and to use the national emergency number 112 or other dedicated hotlines for timely assistance.
“Observing basic fire safety precautions can save lives, protect property, and preserve the environment,” the Service emphasize.
