Ghana National Fire Service marks continental sporting achievements

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) proudly recognized and celebrated a series of extraordinary achievements by its Sports Unit members, who have brought great honour to themselves, the Service, and the nation through their recent successes in international and continental sporting events. The celebration took place during a short presentation ceremony held at the National Headquarters on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

At the All-Africa Games held in Accra in March 2024, the GNFS hockey team, led by its captain, Deputy Group Officer, (DGO) Rachael Bamfo, triumphed by clinching first place with a prestigious gold medal.

The Assistant Hockey Team Coach, Group Officer Grade I (GO I) Susuana Kotey, presented a trophy for winning the T-Tommy Memorial Tournament held in July 2024 in Kumasi. The team manager of the hockey team, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I, (ADO I) Cecilia Apafo, also presented a trophy for securing the Best Disciplined Team award during the T-Tommy Memorial Tournament. These victories showcased their exceptional talent, teamwork, and dedication.

Fireman, (FM) Adjei Hakeem Husseni was recognized as the Best Male Referee in the Greater Accra Regional Football League, highlighting his outstanding integrity and officiating skills.

On the global stage, Assistant Station Officer, (ASTNO) Ernest Mawutor Quarcoo made history by becoming the first African to receive the Emperor’s Scroll after an outstanding performance at the Chinese Open Championship held in Hunan in June 2024, where he placed third. Despite facing significant challenges before the tournament, Quarcoo’s fortitude, perseverance, and dedication led to his remarkable achievement.

The accomplishments of these athletes were celebrated in a brief ceremony where the athletes, accompanied by their head and assistant coaches, presented their medals and awards to the Chief Fire Officer, (CFO) Julius Kuunuor, who in turn presented them to the Fire Service Council Chairman, Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi.

Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, the Chairman of the Fire Service Council, praised the athletes for bringing pride and recognition to Ghana on the international stage. He commended management for their commitment and support to sports, urging the athletes to continue striving for excellence. He emphasized that the success of the athletes not only enhances the reputation of the GNFS but also inspires others to strive for greatness. He noted that the holistic approach to personal and professional development within the GNFS is a testament to the organization’s dedication to excellence, teamwork, and discipline.

CFO Kuunuor praised the athletes for their great accomplishments and thanked them for combining their sporting talents with their tight work schedules to achieve these significant achievements. He stated that these achievements give credence to GNFS's commitment to supporting its personnel in pursuing their passions and developing their talents beyond firefighting. He assured them that management would continue to promote sports and support them in achieving more sporting laurels for the Service, serving as a model for other institutions and contributing to the nation's overall development.

Counsel and sponsor of ASTNO Quarcoo, lawyer Christopher King, who doubles as the President of the Veterans Table Tennis Association of Ghana (VTTAG), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to CFO Kuunuor for his support. He praised Quarcoo's success as a testament to his resilience, gallantry, perseverance, and dexterity, which align with the core values of the Service.

Present at the brief presentation ceremony were Hon. Anyimadu-Antwi, Fire Service Council Chairman; Chief Fire Officer, CFO Julius A. Kuunuor; DO II Edward Akporh, Officer in Charge of Sports; DO II Gilbert Adda, Chief Staff Officer; DO III Desmond Ackah, Deputy National PRO; Sponsor and Counsel of ASTNO Quarcoo, Counsel Christopher King; the head coach of the table tennis team, DO III Samuel Ashitey Armah; head coach of the hockey team, DO III Jacob Quartey; team manager of the hockey team, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I (ADO I) Cecilia Apafo; Assistant Hockey Team Coach, Group Officer Grade I, (GO I) Susuana Kotey, and the athletes.