The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South in the Ashanti Region , Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah, has issued a strong public safety advisory to residents as the municipality grapples with the heightened risk of fire outbreaks during the ongoing harmattan season.
The caution follows recent fire incidents within Hiaw Besease which burnt 14 bedrooms, leaving behind scenes of destruction, charred debris, cracked walls, and distressed residents—stark reminders of how quickly fire can devastate homes and livelihoods when basic safety measures are ignored.
Addressing residents through a public safety message, Hon. Osei Boamah urged households, traders, and business operators to exercise extra vigilance and responsibility, emphasizing that the dry and windy harmattan conditions significantly increase the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly.
“As we experience the harmattan season, I strongly urge all residents within the municipality to be extra vigilant and safety-conscious,” the MCE stated.
He stressed the importance of switching off all electrical appliances when not in use, noting that faulty wiring and unattended appliances remain among the leading causes of domestic fires.
Residents were also cautioned against burning refuse at unauthorized locations, a practice that has frequently resulted in uncontrolled fires during the dry season.
Hon. Osei Boamah further advised residents to keep naked flames away from flammable materials, particularly in crowded residential areas where a single spark can trigger widespread destruction.
Households that rely on gas for cooking were encouraged to regularly inspect gas cylinders, hoses, and stoves to ensure they are in good condition and free from leakages.
According to the MCE, while fire outbreaks can be devastating, most are preventable if individuals and communities adhere strictly to basic safety guidelines.
“Fire outbreaks can be devastating, but most are preventable if we all act responsibly.
Let us work together to protect lives, property, and our communities by observing these basic safety measures,” he appealed.
The recent incident, which left portions of a residential area covered in ashes and debris, has reignited public concern about fire preparedness and response, especially during harmattan when dry vegetation, poor electrical connections, and unsafe cooking practices pose serious risks.
Residents who witnessed the aftermath described the scene as heartbreaking, with families narrowly escaping injury and property losses running into thousands of cedis.
Many have since called for intensified public education and stronger enforcement of safety regulations.
Hon. Osei Boamah reaffirmed the Municipal Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with the Ghana National Fire Service and other relevant agencies to enhance public awareness, improve emergency response, and prevent avoidable disasters.
He concluded by reminding residents that safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities but a shared civic duty.
“A safe municipality is a shared responsibility,” the MCE emphasized.
As the harmattan season peaks, residents of Atwima Nwabiagya South are being urged to take the MCE’s warning seriously, as prevention remains the most effective tool against fire-related disasters.
