In order to intensify efforts to increase public engagement in the prevention of fire and accidents linked to it, the Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) launched its annual fire safety week.
The goal of the week-long festival is to increase public knowledge of fire dangers, their consequences, and how to take necessary actions in the case of a fire as well as avoid them in the first place.
Additionally, it is designed to inform the public about floods, road traffic collisions (RTC), how to obtain a fire certificate for their residence or place of employment, and the preventative steps that should be taken in the event of a fire.
The celebration this year is a part of events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the GNFS with the following theme: “60 Years of Existence, Fire Safety, The Choice for a Safer Environment.”
The Western Regional GNFS Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer I (ACFO I) Mr. Frederick Ohemeng, led a team of officers to carry out a variety of sensitization activities, including a simulation exercise at some leisure and hospitality facilities as well as the Takoradi GOIL Depot, educated market women on fire safety and prevention measures at various market centres, including those at Apremdo and Takoradi Market Circle, churches, and mosques among other focal areas within the region.
All of the drills, according to ACFO I Ohemeng, were designed to evaluate the GNFS’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to fire-related emergencies through collaboration and effective coordination.
He explained that it was also intended to gauge how well the GNFS was prepared for crises like this in the real world and to determine how different facility staff would respond. He urged market leaders and the management of diverse facilities to constantly put effective safeguards in place to protect people and property in the event of potential fire breakouts.
In addition, ACFO I Chemeng urged the populace to make sure they called the nearest GNFS station for prompt assistance should they encounter unfavourable fire scenarios.
He cautioned against making hoax calls, highlighting that they were detrimental to the GNFS’s ability to operate effectively.
