The Asante Akim Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region witnessed a disturbing incident on Saturday, February 10, 2024, as angry residents in Konongo attacked fire officers and caused damage to a tender. The residents were reportedly agitated over what they perceived as a delayed response by the fire officers to a fire outbreak in the area.
According to reports, fire officers from Konongo were initially deployed to a fire scene near Nkwakwa. However, while at the scene, they received another distress call and had to urgently return to Konongo township, as the only fire engine available serves several communities. This resulted in the residents expressing their dissatisfaction by pelting stones and other offensive items at the crew, causing damage to the fire engine and leaving the fire officers traumatized.
In response to the incident, the police have initiated investigations, although no arrests have been made at this time. The Ghana National Fire Service had previously cautioned the public against attacking its officers. D.O.3 Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, emphasized the importance of refraining from such acts, highlighting that it contravenes Ghana’s laws.
Addai stated, “We risk our lives to come and save people’s lives, and when we are met with such hostilities, it affects us. We want to caution those who engage in such acts to desist because it is an offense under Section 205 of the Criminal Code. It is against the law to prevent an officer from executing his mandate, so we advise people to desist.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by emergency responders in carrying out their duties and underscores the need for public support and cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Neizer Gyamfi | Ghana Crimes
