24th August 2023 9:53:24 AM
2 mins readData from the Accra Regional Fire Command indicates that at least 66 persons died and 24 others suffered injuries due to fire outbreaks and other related incidents in the first half of this year.
0
This is against 69 deaths and 162 injuries recorded the previous year.
1
Likewise, there were 662 instances of fire incidents documented in the span of six months, compared to 640 fires during the corresponding period the previous year. This indicates a three percent rise in fire occurrences attributed to human actions within the region.
2
During a meeting with reporters in Accra yesterday, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Grade One Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, who serves as the Accra Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), revealed this information. The purpose of the engagement was to address matters concerning fire incidents in the region.
3
It also formed part of this year’s fire educational campaign to create fire safety awareness to the public.
4
The programme, which was on the theme “60 years of existence, fire safety: the choice for safer environment”, brought together Municipal Fire Commanders, senior and junior officers from the regional command.
5
ACFO I Ghanson said domestic fires top the cases with 234 as compared to 197 fires in 2022, representing an increase of three per cent, all attributable to human behaviour.
6
She stated that the media had contributed immensely in bringing the Service’s vision to bear considering its function of educating the public.
7
ACFO1 Ghanson said the Command also in the first half of 2023 responded to 22 rescue incidents as well as 22 road traffic accidents.
8
She said the estimated cost of damages caused by fire outbreaks in the first half of this year was GHC34,590,914.00.
9
ACFO1 Ghanson said the Ghana National fire Service (GNFS) would sensitise members of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and market women.
10
She said the Service would also inspect national installations, undertake stimulation exercises, and meet with operators of event centres, club houses, drinking spots and nightclubs.
11
The Accra Regional Fire Safety Officer, Divisional Officer Grade One (DOI), Evans Osei Owusu, stated that the role of the media was crucial in addressing fire safety issues in the country.
12
He urged journalists to collaborate with the GNFS in its education drive to ensure that lives and properties were saved in the country.
13
DOI Owusu urged the public to desist from attacking GNFS personnel while on duty.
14
The Deputy Director of Operations, DOI Joseph Kofi Forson, mentioned accessibility, inadequate source of water, negative attitudes as some of the things affecting GNFS’ operations.
15
He urged the public to make fire safety a priority, which according to him was a shared responsibility.
16
17
A representative from the Ghana Institute of Architects, Mr David Parkins, commended personnel of the GNFS for ensuring that lives and properties were saved even at the peril of the own lives.
18
1 min read
2 mins read
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
1 min read