The Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service has announced plans to undertake a personnel reshuffle as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and boost morale among officers across the region.

 Speaking in an interview on Info Radio, the Regional Commander ACFO II Isaak Kofi Obonsu, disclosed that the exercise will target officers who have served in remote areas for extended periods, allowing them to rotate into urban postings for broader exposure.

 “We are going to embark on a reshuffle exercise so that those who have been in the hinterlands for some time also come to town to experience some of these things,” he said.

 He stated that the Command currently operates 13 fire stations across the Upper West Region, including facilities in Wa, Tumu, Lawra, Nadowli, and other districts. In addition, four new fire posts—basic stations without fire tenders—are nearing completion in Kaleo, Issa, Hamile, and Babile.

 According to the Commander, these structures are largely complete, with only minor works such as water system installations and access improvements outstanding. He noted that the Issa facility, for instance, requires an additional entry and exit point to enhance emergency response efficiency.

 ACFO II Obonsu mentioned that the expansion of infrastructure, however, now depends heavily on local assemblies, following a policy shift that places responsibility for constructing fire stations on district authorities rather than the central command.

 “Any assembly that is ready to put up a fire station, we are also ready with the human resources,” he stated, revealing that the region currently has 619 personnel, made up of 74 senior officers and 545 junior ranks.

 Despite these developments, the Commander expressed concern about limited stakeholder attention to the fire service compared to other institutions. He emphasized the critical and often dangerous nature of firefighting, describing fire officers as individuals who move toward danger when others retreat.

 “Fire is no respecter of persons. It does not choose what to destroy,” he stressed, urging increased support for the service.

 He also warned that low morale among firefighters could have serious consequences. “A demotivated fire officer is as deadly as a time bomb,” he said, explaining that diminished motivation can affect performance during critical operations.

 The Command is currently seeking additional support for ongoing projects, including the construction of a perimeter wall at the regional headquarters.

 The Commander appealed for sustained and increased backing, calling on stakeholders to reassess ongoing projects and deepen their commitment.