E/R:GNFS Launches Fire Safety Campaign to Curb Rising Fire Incidents in Atiwa East

By

 

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has intensified its fire education campaign in Anyinam, Atiwa East District, Eastern Region, as part of its efforts to combat the increasing incidence of fire outbreaks. This initiative aligns with this year's celebrations, themed “Fire Safety The Pillar of National Development and Foundation of Fire Security”, which is set to conclude on Friday, February 28, 2025.


As part of the campaign, the Atiwa East District Fire Command has introduced an initiative dubbed “Operation One Household, One Store, One Industry with One Fire Extinguisher.” This proactive measure aims to ensure that every household, shop, and industry is equipped with a fire extinguisher, significantly reducing the risk of fire-related disasters.



On February 24, 2025, firefighters took to the principal streets of Anyinam in a public education float. They engaged drivers, market women, shop owners, landlords, and workers at government institutions, restaurants, and pubs on essential fire prevention measures.

The street education exercise, led by the Atiwa East District Fire Commander, saw the participation of firefighters, police officers, immigration officers, ambulance service personnel, and students from both junior and senior high schools in the area. They carried placards with key fire safety messages, including:


Employ Qualified Electricians


Respect Firefighters


Get a Fire Extinguisher for Your Home and Vehicle


Create Fire Belts When Burning Farmlands


Do Not Obstruct Firefighters During Emergencies


Keep Matches and Highly Flammable Objects Away from Children


Do Not Attack Firefighters


Check for Gas Leakages Regularly


Call 112 or 192 When Fire Occurs


Avoid Domestic Fire Outbreaks


Your Safety is Our Priority


Know Your Nearest Fire Station’s Contact: 0291713156 / 0504565242


Flyers containing early firefighting messages and GNFS emergency contacts were also distributed to the public.

Speaking to the media after the campaign launch, Atiwa East District Fire Commander, DO2 Michael George Korda, stressed the importance of prioritizing fire safety at all times. He noted that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, urging both individuals and businesses to take proactive steps in preventing fire outbreaks.


Commander Korda emphasized that development and security go hand in hand, adding that the GNFS plays a crucial role in protecting properties, preventing fire outbreaks, and safeguarding the environment.


He reaffirmed GNFS’s commitment to public fire education, technical advisory services, and effective fire management strategies. He also highlighted the need for continuous public sensitization to curb the rising cases of fire incidents in the district and the region at large.

Commander Korda raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on fire safety in the district. He lamented that unregulated mining activities, often conducted behind residential areas, leave behind uncovered pits, posing serious risks to residents. He noted that these hazardous conditions make it difficult for firefighters to access accident scenes promptly, thereby hindering their ability to save lives.


He called for a collaborative effort between security agencies, including the police and other relevant stakeholders, to tackle the issue of illegal mining and its associated risks.



Commander Korda urged the public to see firefighters as allies and not adversaries when responding to emergencies. He emphasized that when fire service sirens sound, road users should allow easy passage to enable a swift and effective response.


He further encouraged landlords, shop owners, and industries to acquire at least one fire extinguisher, stressing that this simple step could help contain small fires before firefighters arrive, preventing potential disasters.


The GNFS’s intensified fire education campaign serves as a crucial step in ensuring that fire safety awareness becomes a priority for all—ultimately reducing fire outbreaks and safeguarding lives and properties in the Atiwa East District and beyond.


Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

E/R:Okyenhene Destools Coaltar Chief Over Deadly Clash

By
Image
The Chief of Coaltar in the Eastern Region, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, has been destooled following a violent clash in Kraboa, a farming community in the Ayensuano District, which led to the tragic deaths of two individuals. The destoolment was officially announced by a delegation of traditional leaders (Nananom), led by the Apapamhene and Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori. The delegation carried out the customary destoolment process at the Coaltar Palace. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2025, stemmed from growing tensions over alleged illegal land sales and crop destruction in the area. Residents of Kraboa, angered by these activities, staged a protest against the chief. The situation escalated when landguards allegedly hired by Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II opened fire on the unarmed protesters. Eyewitnesses reported that the landguards, estimated to be about 50 in number, accompanied the chief in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles. The confr...
Read more

E/R:Abuakwa North MCE Honours Chief of Sokode-Juaso and Akyem Tafo Police Commander for Leadership in Community Development and Security

By
Image
  The Abuakwa North Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, has recognized two prominent leaders for their dedication and impactful contributions to the community. Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker, the Chief of Sokode-Juaso, and Superintendent Isaac Ampofo, Akyem Tafo’s District Police Commander, were both honored at the 40th Farmers' Day Celebration held on November 8, 2024, in Sokode-Juaso. The event was celebrated under the theme "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security." During the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga lauded Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker for his exemplary leadership within just one year of his enstoolment as the Chief of Sokode-Juaso. He highlighted the socio-economic growth achieved in the area under the chief’s guidance, attributing much of the community's development to his visionary leadership. Hon. Dr. Alhaji Bodinga encouraged him to continue his efforts in transforming Sokode-Juaso into a prosper...
Read more

E/R: Abuakwa South Parliamentary Candidate Dr. Kingsley Agyeman Donates Equipment and Funds to Apprentices and Local Associations

By
Image
Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, the parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa South Constituency, has extended a generous hand to support local youth and artisans. In a heartwarming ceremony held at Akyem Maase, Dr. Agyeman, along with key New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives, donated essential equipment and financial support to aspiring apprentices in dressmaking and hairdressing. Among the NPP executives present were Constituency Chairman Otis Asante, Secretary Julius Okyere, Women’s Organizer Nana Serwaa Oti, and Organizer Okyeame Appiah. The event drew participation from several electoral areas, including Asafo, Akooko, Adonkwanta, and Agyapomaa. Dr. Agyeman’s donation included 15 sewing machines and 15 hair dryers, aimed at helping young apprentices kickstart their careers in dressmaking and hairdressing. In addition to the equipment, Dr. Agyeman also provided a substantial amount of financial support. He pledged **₵1,000** for each apprentice—benefiting over 30 individuals—to be pai...
Read more

E/R:Trinity Presbyterian Model School Stages Captivating Drama to Promote Cultural Awareness and Practical Learning

By
Image
  Trinity Presbyterian Model School, a government institution in Koforidua Adweso, Eastern Region, has staged a compelling drama titled The Dilemma of a Ghost to foster critical thinking, practical learning, and cultural appreciation among students. The production aimed to enhance students’ writing skills in literature, encourage a deeper appreciation of Ghanaian heritage, and explore themes of cultural identity and adaptation. With its visually striking and emotionally engaging performance, the drama delivered a powerful commentary on human experiences and the challenges of navigating different cultural worlds. Through this thought-provoking play, the school emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds. The script, written by renowned Ghanaian playwright Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, allowed students and parents to gain insight into Africa’s rich cultural traditions while instilling essential values and life skills. The...
Read more

Eastern Region Inaugurates Task Force to Tackle Illegal Mining

By
Image
Koforidua, Ghana – The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has inaugurated a nine-member illegal mining task force to combat the growing menace of galamsey and protect the region’s lands, forests, and water bodies for future generations. The task force has been mandated to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities, identify and shut down galamsey sites, enforce mining laws, confiscate illegal equipment, and engage in public education and community collaboration to curb the practice. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, highlighted the severe impact of galamsey on the ecosystem, economy, and human lives, particularly through the destruction of water bodies and deforestation. She emphasized that the fight against illegal mining remains a top priority under the resetting agenda of the President Mahama-led administration. “The harmful effects of galamsey are far-reaching, and as a region, we can no longer tolerate this ...
Read more