The Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, has reflected on defining moments in her firefighting career, describing them as experiences that strengthened her confidence and passion for the job.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the fire chief shared memories from her time as Regional Commander in the Volta Region, where she led a rescue operation involving military recruits.
According to her, the recruits were travelling to Mount Afadjato when their vehicle reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a valley midway through the journey.
“As a regional commander in the Volta Region, military recruits were going to Afadjato when their vehicle fell into a valley midway through their journey,” she recounted.
“By God’s grace, we were able to rescue them, and I realised I had the courage and what it takes to do the job,” she added.
The experience, she said, reinforced her belief that women can perform the same demanding tasks traditionally associated with male firefighters.
“There is nothing that male firefighters can do that I can’t also do as a woman,” she stressed.
She also recalled another memorable incident during her time as Municipal Fire Commander in Madina, when a major fire outbreak occurred at the local market.
According to her, traders who witnessed the firefighting operation were surprised by the confidence with which she handled the situation.
“Also in Madina, there was a fire outbreak at the market. The market women were amazed at how I carried myself,” she said.
“So when it comes to battling infernos, nobody can intimidate me,” she added.
The Chief Fire Officer also revealed that during the early years of her career, she personally drove fire tenders as part of her training and professional development.
“In the early years of my career, I used to drive fire tenders. I wanted to know what it takes,” she explained.
Her willingness to learn every aspect of the job, she noted, motivated her to take on responsibilities that many officers might have avoided.
“I was always eager to learn and try new things. We used to run a shift, and I used to drive,” she said.
Reflecting on her rise to the top of the service, Ms. Ntow Sarpong emphasised that her appointment as Chief Fire Officer was the result of years of experience and dedication.
“So nobody should assume I got to this level by chance. I have risen through the ranks,” she stated.
She added that her hands-on experience has earned her the respect of officers across the service.
“I know the nitty-gritties of the work, and personnel even at the grassroots know my capabilities. Sometimes personnel are amazed at what I do and know,” she said.
Her reflections highlight a career built on determination, practical experience, and a deep commitment to public safety.
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