A recent inspection by the Greater Accra Regional Fire Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has revealed that only five out of 30 fire hydrants in Accra's Ministries enclave are fully operational. The inspection, which covered important public institutions, aimed to identify and restore faulty hydrants ahead of the fire season. The findings have raised concerns about the readiness of the capital's emergency-response infrastructure.
The inspection found that 23 hydrants were non-functional, while two recorded low pressure. Notably, the Controller and Accountant General's Department (CAGD) had no fire hydrant on its premises. Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, has urged CAGD management to collaborate with the GNFS and GWL to facilitate the installation of a hydrant. This lack of functional hydrants poses a significant risk to firefighting efforts, particularly in an area with concentrated buildings and assets.
The Ministries enclave is home to various government agencies, ministries, and institutions, including the Court Complex and the Accra Sports Stadium. A fire in such an environment can escalate quickly, making reliable access to water a basic requirement for effective firefighting. The GNFS has reported similar concerns in the past, with over 550 of 1,210 hydrants identified in nine regions not operational in 2021.
In Greater Accra, 126 of 295 hydrants were reported as unserviceable in 2021. More recently, non-functional hydrants have hampered firefighting efforts during incidents, including a June 2025 fire near the Accra Arts Centre and a fire at Madina Ritz Junction in August 2025. These incidents highlight the importance of hydrant maintenance as preventive safety infrastructure.
The GNFS has identified preparedness, prevention, and response as central to its mission. To address the issue, government agencies should publish and implement a time-bound plan to repair the 23 failed hydrants, address the two low-pressure points, and install the missing facility at CAGD. The plan should include regular testing, public records, and prompt reporting of faults.
The Ghana National Fire Service's Fire Safety Directorate handles inspections and risk assessment, and coordination with GWL and dependent institutions is crucial. Authorities should act promptly to prevent a disaster, rather than waiting for a fire to expose the consequences of inaction. The Ministries enclave inspection has provided an early warning, and swift action is necessary to mitigate the risks.
The lack of functional fire hydrants in Accra's Ministries enclave is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. With the rainy season approaching, the risk of fires and other emergencies is likely to increase. It is essential that the GNFS, GWL, and government agencies work together to address the issue and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to respond to emergencies effectively.
Key points
- Only 5 of 30 fire hydrants in Accra's Ministries enclave are fully functional.
- 23 hydrants were found to be non-functional, while 2 recorded low pressure.
- The Ghana National Fire Service is urging government agencies to publish a time-bound plan to repair faulty hydrants and install new ones.
