The Regional Fire Officer (RFO), also known as the Regional Fire Commander, is the highest-ranking officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) within a specific region. Any officer in such a position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of lives, property, and the environment through effective fire management, emergency response, and enforcement of national fire safety standards. As an administrative and operational head in the region, the RFO coordinates all fire stations, district commands, and specialized units in the region, while translating national policies into actionable strategies that meet local needs. The role demands strong leadership, operational competence, strategic planning, inter-agency collaboration, and a commitment to public safety.
The RFOs roles and responsibilities are outlined as follows:
- STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION
- Serve as the head of the Ghana National Fire Service within the region.
- Translate national GNFS policies, directives, and operational strategies into regional action plans.
- Provide overall leadership, supervision, and coordination of all fire stations and district commands in the region.
- Lead regional management meetings; ensure effective communication between regional office and national headquarters.
- Oversee administrative functions including:
- Personnel management
- Emoluments and welfare issues
- Staff evaluations and promotions
- Discipline and compliance with GNFS regulations
- Prepare and submit quarterly, half-year, and annual regional reports to the GNFS Headquarters.
- OPERATIONAL COMMAND & INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
- Exercise operational command over major fire outbreaks, disasters, and emergencies within the region.
- Direct and coordinate:
- Firefighting operations
- Rescue missions
- Hazardous materials incidents
- Road Traffic Extrication (RTE)
- Flood and disaster response
- Activate and manage the Regional Incident Command System (ICS).
- Deploy resources—including appliances, equipment, and personnel—effectively during emergencies.
- Conduct post-incident analysis, evaluate operational performance, and implement improvements.
- FIRE SAFETY, PREVENTION & EDUCATION OVERSIGHT
- Supervise the regional execution of:
- Fire safety inspections
- Premises audits and certification
- Public fire education campaigns
- Industrial fire risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with:
- GNFS Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations
- National Fire Safety Standards
- Approve or review fire safety reports and enforcement actions, including closure of unsafe premises.
- Promote community-based fire safety programs across municipalities and districts.
- TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING
- Ensure that all personnel undergo continuous professional training according to GNFS standards.
- Oversee:
- Training drills
- Fire simulations
- Coaching of station officers and district commanders
- Identify training needs and recommend officers for specialized courses (local or international).
- Maintain operational readiness by ensuring competency in:
- Firefighting
- Rescue
- Fire safety enforcement
- First aid and emergency medical response
- RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HUMAN, LOGISTICS & FINANCIAL)
- Ensure optimal management and distribution of:
- Fire tenders and equipment
- Protective clothing (PPE)
- Communication gadgets
- Water sources and hydrant systems
- Oversee regional budget planning and expenditure control.
- Approve procurement requests for district and station logistics.
- Maintain asset registers and ensure timely maintenance of equipment.
- COLLABORATION & INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION
- Represent GNFS in regional Security Council (REGSEC) meetings.
- Coordinate with:
- NADMO
- Ghana Police Service
- Ambulance Service
- Local Government Authorities
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Energy sector institutions
- Facilitate joint exercises and strengthen disaster management partnerships.
- Serve as the primary GNFS liaison with regional political and traditional authorities.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Address public concerns about fire incidents or fire safety issues.
- Engage with:
- Regional Minister
- MMDCEs
- Corporate institutions
- Community groups
- Promote GNFS programs through:
- Media appearances
- Public forums
- Fire safety education outreach
- Ensure transparency and accurate information during major regional incidents.
- MONITORING, EVALUATION & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
- Conduct regular inspections of fire stations, district offices, and operational readiness.
- Evaluate:
- Personnel performance
- Station discipline
- Response times
- Operational efficiency
- Implement corrective actions when required.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the region.
- RISK MANAGEMENT & CONTINGENCY PLANNING
- Assess regional fire risks, industrial hazards, and vulnerable communities.
- Develop:
- Regional Fire Prevention Strategy
- Disaster response plans
- Risk reduction frameworks
- Coordinate fire safety enforcement in high-risk sectors such as:
- Markets
- Fuel stations
- Industrial zones
- High-rise buildings
- Promote reduction of bushfires and collaborate with forestry/land management agencies.
- DISCIPLINE, ETHICS & STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT
- Uphold GNFS disciplinary code, ethical guidelines, and professional standards.
- Investigate misconduct cases within the region.
- Ensure a culture of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
- Mentor junior officers and enforce leadership standards.
