Fire officers threaten strike

Junior ranks of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) across the country would embark on a strike action if management fails to heed their pleas to resolve pressing issues, according to reports.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE on condition of anonymity, a junior rank of GNFS, said members were dissatisfied with the shift of personnel from Cap 30 pension scheme to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT.)

The aggrieved GNFS personnel insisted government’s action was wrong due to the fact that they had not been educated on the sudden change.

The GNFS is part of the security services so we do not know why personnel of GNFS are being shifted from Cap 30 to SSNIT pension, the source alleged.

The source also noted that the sudden switch of GNFS from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Local Government (MLG) was worrying.

Speculations were rife few months ago about the said changes due to the decentralization process.

The source said under MLG, they would be obliged to work from Monday to Friday, which would affect the quality of service they offer to the general public.

He said in the April–June 2012 edition of GNFS quarterly newsletter, christened the ‘Fire Alert’ (official mouthpiece of the GNFS,) the hierarchy denied any attempts by government to place them under MLG.

Members of GNFS were asked to treat the accusations with the contempt they deserve.

The source noted that the development had increased tension in the service, stressing that management members of the Fire Service Council last Friday met in Koforidua to deliberate on issues affecting junior ranks of the GNFS without consulting members of the service. This, he said, had angered the personnel.

The source disclosed that plans were far advanced for the junior ranks of the service to meet in either Kumasi or Accra to plan the nationwide strike.

He cautioned members of the Council to desist from accepting any decision that could potentially affect services offered to the public.