The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Alex King Nartey, has issued an apology to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over remarks he made regarding the March 21, 2025, fire outbreak that ravaged shops in Adum, Kumasi.
While maintaining his stance that the minister could have handled the situation differently, Nartey expressed regret over his comments.
On March 22, 2025, he took to Facebook to clarify his position, stating:
“I have great respect and admiration for the Honourable Minister, especially as he blazes the trail as the youngest minister.”
He explained that his comments were not meant to undermine the minister but were based on his belief that a different approach could have been taken when addressing the firefighters who had risked their lives for hours battling the fire.
“The public criticism and video recording of the officers at the scene was not the best approach. That was the basis of my comment that the shouting was uncalled for,” he added.
His apology follows rising tensions between the Ashanti Regional Minister and the GNFS, which were sparked by the devastating fire at the Central Market in Adum. The blaze destroyed numerous shops, resulting in substantial property losses.
A viral video from the scene showed Dr. Amoakohene reprimanding firefighters for what he perceived as a lack of urgency in tackling the inferno. In response, Alex King Nartey accused the minister of self-aggrandizement at the expense of the hardworking firefighters, arguing that his actions could demoralize the officers.
“He could have simply engaged our officers or the commander on duty without putting himself on camera to create a spectacle. To what end?” Nartey questioned.
Despite his criticism, the GNFS PRO emphasized the need for firefighters to be adequately equipped to perform their duties effectively.
