In a proactive measure to ensure a fire-free festive season, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced a temporary moratorium on leave approvals for all personnel.
The Service clarified that all staff are expected to be on active duty throughout the holiday celebrations, with leave requests only to be considered once the season concludes.
Public Relations Officer for GNFS, DOII Desmond Ackah, stated that the Service’s primary objective is to strengthen its operational presence nationwide, focusing particularly on markets to prevent potential fire outbreaks.
He confirmed that the Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, has issued specific, immediate instructions for the repair of all faulty fire tenders to bolster fire safety measures during the festive period.
”The Chief Fire Officer has directed all Regional Commanders to ensure that all faulty fire tenders are repaired in anticipation of the celebration so we can effectively deal with domestic and market fires or provide assistance to individuals who are caught up in emergency situations. Furthermore, no fire officer will be permitted to go on leave. We will be deploying officers across the country, particularly into our markets, to intensify public education against outbreaks,” he stated in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
In addition to market deployment, home safety educators have been specifically assigned to conduct public awareness campaigns in residential areas.
Beyond fire prevention, the GNFS is also collaborating with event organisers to mitigate the risk of stampedes and other life-threatening incidents at large gatherings throughout the holidays.
DOII Desmond Ackah further noted that the comprehensive measures adopted by the GNFS will address fire prevention across domestic, industrial, market, and bushfire categories.
He emphasised that addressing fire outbreaks requires a collective approach and stressed the critical need for public cooperation and support.
To combat the risk of bushfires, the GNFS has trained and deployed over 6,000 fire volunteers nationwide. These volunteers provide essential support in prevention and control, having been trained in skills such as creating firebreaks, understanding fire behaviour, using basic suppression tools (water, dirt), and knowing when to escalate to professional assistance.
The role of these volunteers, he underscored, is crucial for safeguarding lives, farmlands, and property.
The GNFS has partnered with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) supporting livelihood empowerment programmes—including snail rearing, grasscutter hunting, and beekeeping activities—to educate participants on specific fire safety measures that will minimise the risk of bushfires associated with their work.
Mr Ackah concluded that the GNFS will be conducting rigorous inspections and enforcing fire safety regulations, with a commitment to addressing individuals or entities engaged in activities that pose a high risk of causing fire outbreaks.
He strongly advised the Ghanaian public to refrain from engaging in activities that could potentially trigger outbreaks as the holidays approach.
He encouraged drivers to strictly obey traffic and road regulations, urging them to avoid overspeeding and improper overtaking to prevent road crashes.
DOII2 Desmond Ackah also admonished transport unions to ensure their members properly maintain their vehicles so they are in good condition before commencing journeys.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
