The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reminded the Ghanaian public that the importation, distribution, retailing, and wholesaling of knockouts is a criminal offence and punishable by law.
The service stated that the laws of Ghana prohibit the manufacture, possession, and use of firecrackers (knockouts), display shells, artillery shells, and ball and canister shells.
Mr. Desmond Ackah, Public Relations Officer for the GNFS, stated in an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM that those who break the law would be arrested and prosecuted.
He has therefore admonished Ghanaians to report persons who are selling knockouts since it is against the laws of Ghana.
He explained that vehicles and houses have gone up in flames due to the abuse of firecrackers, and the GNFS wants to prevent that this year.
He stated that the ban on the use of firecrackers remains in effect. It is prohibited to use firecrackers, also known as knockouts. We encouraged the Ghanaian public to report such individuals. I would like to emphasise that the use of firecrackers is prohibited. The law makes it illegal to manufacture, possess, or use firecrackers (knockouts), display shells, artillery shells, and ball and canister shells. The use of these items may result in fire outbreaks.
Parliament in 1999 adopted the report on the legislative instrument (LI) backing the prohibition of the importation of certain firecrackers and display shells.
The LI, “Export and Import (Prohibition of Importation) 1999,” confers on the Minister of Trade the power to ban the importation of firecrackers (knockouts), display shells, artillery shells, and ball and canister shells.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
