GNFS, GES, and Ulster University officials in a group photograph
THE GHANA National Fire Service (GNFS), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ulster University in the United Kingdom, has commenced preparations for a two-week intensive workshop aimed at developing a comprehensive fire safety education curriculum for basic schools across the country.
The workshop, which started on Wednesday, June 11 and ends on June 20, 2025, seeks to bring together key stakeholders from education, emergency services, academia, and international partners under a unified mission: to inculcate the values of fire safety and emergency preparedness in Ghana’s youngest citizens through a structured and impactful school curriculum.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Acting Chief Fire Officer (AG CFO) Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong emphasised the significance of early fire safety awareness in shaping a fire-conscious generation. “This initiative is a bold and timely response to the growing need for early fire safety awareness. By introducing structured fire education into our schools, we are empowering the next generation to protect themselves, their families, and their communities,” she noted.
AG CFO Ntow Sarpong acknowledged the presence of key partners from Ulster University, Dr. Nigel McConnell and Mr. Yahaya Abdulai, and lauded the collaborative effort that birthed the Co-Production Working Group, the body responsible for fine-tuning the curriculum for implementation nationwide.
She added that the initiative reflects the broader vision of the government’s demonstration of its commitment to empowering the Ghana National Fire Service to play a leading role in equipping the citizens, especially young children, with contemporary knowledge in fire safety.
“Their drive for a safer Ghana continues to inspire initiatives like this,” AG CFO Sarpong stated and added, “As they work tirelessly to ensure fire safety becomes a shared responsibility embraced by all citizens.”
Dr. Nigel McConnell of Ulster University commended Ghana for taking such a forward-thinking approach, noting that fire safety education at the basic level is essential in developing responsible and safety-conscious communities.
The Co-Production Working Group, made up of experts from the GNFS, GES, and Ulster University, will continue engaging relevant stakeholders during the workshop to ensure the curriculum aligns with local realities while meeting international best practices.
The workshop is expected to culminate in a finalised curriculum that will be adopted into the GES syllabi, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s fire safety and educational reform agenda.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke