Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed – Mubarak, on Wednesday commissioned a new fire station in Yesukrom-Fetteh, funded and constructed by the Church of Pentecost.
The facility, located in the Gomoa East District, is the latest in a string of public safety investments being driven not by the government, but by religious institutions seeking to fill service gaps and complement state efforts.
“This bold and generous act speaks volumes,” Minister Muntaka said at the commissioning. “It highlights how partnerships with faith-based organizations can strengthen our nation-building agenda—especially in critical areas like safety and disaster preparedness.”
The new fire station is expected to significantly bolster the Ghana National Fire Service’s (GNFS) operational readiness across the district. GNFS responsibilities have expanded in recent years beyond fire suppression to include technical rescues, road traffic accident response, fire prevention education, hazardous material handling, and climate-related emergencies.
“To keep pace with this expanded mandate, our personnel require facilities that are fit for purpose,” the Minister noted, urging local residents to “take ownership” of the project to ensure long-term community impact.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong said the station will serve Yesukrom–Fetteh and surrounding areas, including the nearby Pentecost Convention Centre, one of the largest conference facilities in the region. She called on other faith-based groups and private entities to follow the Church of Pentecost’s lead.
“Public safety is a collective responsibility,” she said. “When the private sector and civil society contribute, we can extend our reach and enhance community resilience.”
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, said the project aligns with the church’s broader “Possessing the Nations” initiative, aimed at transforming all sectors of Ghanaian society through targeted interventions and collaborations with government.
“The Fire Service is one of our unsung heroes,” Apostle Nyamekye said. “We see this fire station as both a tribute to their tireless work and a practical tool for strengthening national security and public welfare.”
The commissioning signals a rising trend in sub-Saharan Africa, where religious institutions increasingly act as key stakeholders in development—a role once dominated by foreign donors and central governments.
Source:TheDotNews