The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recently made a concerning declaration regarding the safety of their personnel and the communities they serve. In light of increasing attacks on firefighters, the GNFS is considering boycotting or blacklisting certain areas, a move that reflects the severity of the situation at hand.
The decision to contemplate such drastic measures comes in the wake of a distressing incident in Konongo on February 10, where residents, in a state of agitation, accused fire officers of a delayed response to a fire outbreak. This led to an attack on the officers and resulted in damage to a fire tender. Such acts of aggression towards the very individuals tasked with ensuring public safety are deeply troubling and warrant serious attention.
In an enlightening interview on Citi TV’s Breakfast Daily with David Kwaku Sakyi, GNFS Public Relations Officer ADO 1 Alex King Nartey shed light on the challenges faced by the GNFS. Nartey highlighted the impact of outdated logistics on response times, revealing that most fire tenders are between 15 to 20 years old, a situation that is undeniably alarming. He emphasized the implications of such antiquated equipment, citing specific instances where fire tenders were out of commission, leaving certain areas vulnerable in the event of a fire emergency.
Furthermore, Nartey brought to attention the distressing trend of attacks on fire officers in Ahafo and Nkawie, incidents that have resulted in hospitalizations and raised serious concerns for the safety and well-being of GNFS personnel. Faced with such challenges, the GNFS is left with no choice but to consider boycotting areas known for assaulting their personnel—a decision that underscores the gravity of the situation at hand.
In light of these developments, Nartey made a poignant appeal to the government for the timely procurement of new equipment and urged for the construction of more fire stations in communities. Additionally, he called upon Assembly leaders to actively engage in educating residents about fire safety, recognizing that addressing the root of the problem is crucial in ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the communities they serve.
The GNFS’ contemplation of boycotting or blacklisting certain areas serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those dedicated to preserving public safety. It is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to address the underlying issues and ensure the protection of both firefighters and the communities they valiantly serve.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Mabel Darkoo | Ghana Crimes
