A member of the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex King Nartey has disclosed that firefighters are not secured with health insurance packages for injuries sustained in line of duty.
According to King Nartey, officers who suffer injuries while battling fires or performing other emergency rescue operations bear the cost of their medical bills.
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He noted in an interview on TV3’s News 360 on March 22 that the officers are only reimbursed afterward, describing the process as cumbersome and sometimes uncertain.
“We don’t have any health insurance. There’s no allowance. I can tell you that the firefighter who is injured right now would have to use his own money to take care of his medical expenses and later filed for refund,” he stated.
Alex King Nartey’s comment follows the recent remarks made by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, during his visit to the site of the devastating fire outbreak at Adum in Kumasi.
During his visit on March 22, Dr. Amoakohene was seen visibly frustrated when he observed what he believed to be an empty fire tender stationed at the scene.
The Regional Minister was not pleased with the presence of the empty fire tender, demanding an explanation from the officers on duty.
In response, King Nartey expressed disappointment at the minister’s reaction. He believes that a simple gesture of appreciation from the Minister would have been more appropriate.
He further criticised the manner in which the minister addressed the firefighters, arguing that such action demoralizes personnel who risk their lives daily to save lives and properties.
“He could have easily approached any of our officers on the ground and talk to him without necessarily having to put a camera on you to create a spectacle to what end. What is the essence of the shouting?
“Where was the thank you from the Minister? Nothing. He just wanted to criticised our men and then demoralize them. They were heavily demoralized; it had to take self-motivation for them to get back on their feet.
“The least you can do is to say a thank you or show some diligence when you want some inquiry,” Alex King Nartey added.
