The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged the installation of additional fire hydrants at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This call follows an inspection that showed limited access to functional water points for firefighting. The inspection was conducted by the Greater Accra Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, along with officials from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
During the inspection on September 15, 2026, the team found four operational pillar hydrants at the Urology and Nephrology Centre with high water pressure. However, three other hydrants located around the Laundry, Slatter Avenue, and Zoti areas were defective and needed replacement. The team also identified that several critical sections of the hospital lacked fire hydrants.
The inspection revealed that critical sections such as the Polyclinic, Cardiology, Accident and Emergency, Central Laboratory, Radiology, Dental, Children and Maternity Blocks had no fire hydrants. The hospital currently relies largely on the four functioning hydrants at the Urology and Nephrology Centre for firefighting operations. This situation has raised concerns about the hospital's preparedness for fire emergencies.
Based on the assessment, the Regional Fire Officer recommended installing new hydrants at the entrance of the Polyclinic and in front of the New Administration Block. These proposed locations would improve access to water for firefighting around the Accident and Emergency, Children and Maternity Blocks. The GNFS also suggested replicating the pillar hydrant design used at the Urology and Nephrology Centre at other strategic and high-risk locations within the hospital.
The Ghana Water Company Limited Accra South Distribution Manager, Eng. Thomas Amanya, assured the team that the company would service the faulty hydrants and collaborate with hospital authorities on installing additional ones. He advised the hospital management to engage the Ghana Water Company Limited whenever new developments are planned to ensure adequate fire hydrant infrastructure is incorporated.
The inspection was attended by several officials, including the KBTH Acting Director for General Services, Dr Emmanuel Lloyd-Baffoe, and Estate Manager, Eng. Eric Nomo. The collaboration between the GNFS, GWCL, and hospital authorities aims to enhance the hospital's fire safety measures and ensure better preparedness for emergencies.
The GNFS's call for additional fire hydrants at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital highlights the importance of adequate fire safety infrastructure in critical healthcare facilities. The implementation of the recommended measures is expected to improve the hospital's ability to respond to fire emergencies and protect patients, staff, and visitors.
Key points
- The Ghana National Fire Service has called for the installation of additional fire hydrants at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
- The hospital currently relies on four functioning hydrants at the Urology and Nephrology Centre for firefighting operations.
- The GNFS recommended installing new hydrants at the entrance of the Polyclinic and in front of the New Administration Block.
