The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene has commended the Ghana National Fire Service for their dedication to the service of Ghana.
The minister delivering a heartfelt speech at the climax of the Fire Awareness Week Program, held to appreciate the bravery and dedication of the Ghana National Fire Service.
The Minister expressed profound gratitude to the brave men and women of the Fire Service, acknowledging their commitment to protecting lives, property, and the peace of communities across the region.
The Minister highlighted the challenges faced by the Fire Service, including logistical constraints and the dangers associated with their work. Despite these challenges, the Fire Service has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to their duties. The Minister cited the Adum fire incident as a turning point, which tested the resilience of the Fire Service and the region. Since then, the Regional Fire Commander has provided weekly updates on fire incidents, revealing a sobering statistic of approximately seven fire incidents every week.
In response to the challenges faced by the Fire Service, the Minister announced several interventions. Through the AshantiFestigating fire engines was a top priority. The Minister reported that funds have been approved to fix fire tenders at both Konongo and the Kumasi Metro station. Additionally, the Minister has engaged with the Hon. Minister for the Interior to equip the Fire Service with brand-new Fire Tenders, affectionately called “Fire Thunders.” The Minister expressed confidence that the administration, under the leadership of H.E. the President, is giving this urgent matter the attention it deserves.
The Minister announced a nationwide initiative to recruit and train 5,000 youth as Fire Service Assistants. This initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of the Fire Service and provide opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities. The Minister urged the leadership of the Fire Service to engage these young assistants meaningfully, assigning them to community education, market patrols, and public sensitization activities.
To ensure safety and prevent fires, the Minister proposed the establishment of a joint task force between the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO, and the Ghana Police Service. The task force would be responsible for enforcing the renewal and validation of fire certificates across all buildings in the region. This initiative aims to promote a culture of safety and prevent fires from occurring in the first place.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with the Fire Service to build partnerships, strengthen institutions, and honor the everyday heroes who stand between the public and disaster. The Minister expressed appreciation for the Fire Service’s dedication and sacrifices, saying “Ayekoo” to their work. The Minister’s speech was a testament to the region’s commitment to supporting the Fire Service and promoting fire safety and prevention.
