The Ghana National Fire Service has introduced a new insurance scheme for its personnel, offering GH¢50,000 for critical injuries and GH¢100,000 for death in the line of duty.

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, made this known on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Government Accountability Series held in Accra.

He said the policy is intended to provide direct financial support to fire officers who are injured or lose their lives while carrying out their duties.

The scheme, developed in partnership with the State Insurance Corporation (SIC), replaces the previous system where fire officers paid for their medical treatment out of pocket and later submitted claims for reimbursement.

Mr Muntaka described the new approach as an improvement that responds to the challenges personnel face.

“This insurance package is a huge improvement,” Mr Muntaka said. “It shows that our government values the men and women of the Fire Service, who risk their lives to protect lives and property.”

Under the new arrangement, GH¢50,000 will be paid to officers who suffer critical injuries in the course of duty. The families of officers who lose their lives while on duty will receive GH¢100,000.

Mr Muntaka acknowledged that the sums involved may not fully reflect the risks of firefighting, but said the new system represents progress.

“In the past, an injured officer had to seek treatment first and later submit medical bills to the Ministry for reimbursement,” he said. “That process was often slow and frustrating. This policy will provide direct and timely support when it matters most.”

The Ghana National Fire Service has had to operate under difficult conditions in recent years, including limited funding and logistical constraints. Despite this, the Service responded to more than 3,800 fire outbreaks nationwide, conducted over 14,000 fire safety inspections, and rescued many individuals from road traffic incidents.

The introduction of the insurance scheme comes in response to longstanding concerns about the welfare of personnel.

Mr Muntaka urged other security services, including the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service, to consider adopting similar arrangements.

He also touched on the broader issue of support for frontline officers, saying: “Those who serve in high-risk roles, such as firefighting, should not only be given the tools to work safely, but must also be protected in case of injury or loss of life.”

In addition to the insurance scheme, the Fire Service continues to prioritise prevention through education and inspections. The Service has been issuing fire safety certificates, carrying out inspections across the country, and training volunteers, particularly in rural areas where bushfires are common.

“We’ve seen positive results from these efforts,” Mr Muntaka said. “The Fire Service has helped save millions of cedis in property and continues to improve its response times.”