The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene was left fuming and visibly shaken yesterday as he witnessed the lackadaisical attitude of some fire officers in responding to a devastating fire outbreak at Adum-PZ in Kumasi.
The minister’s frustration was palpable as he confronted the fire officers, who seemed unwilling to combat the inferno.
“Wo bribi ara nni ha ntia” roughly translates to “You have nothing to lose, that’s why you’re behaving this way.” He’s slamming fire officers for their lackluster response to the fire outbreak.
The Punch newspaper reported that the fire officers arrived at the scene with empty fire thunders , seemingly attempting to deceive the public into believing they were prepared to tackle the blaze.
However, their lack of urgency and ineffective response only exacerbated the situation, allowing the fire to cause widespread destruction to properties and goods belonging to traders.
The regional minister, visibly moved by the devastating scene unfolding before him, reprimanded the fire officers for their apparent nonchalance.
He accused them of being indifferent to the plight of the traders, suggesting that their lack of personal stake in the market contributed to their apathy.
The minister’s emotional response was a testament to the gravity of the situation. As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes, underscoring the sense of helplessness and frustration that pervaded the scene.
The fire outbreak not only threatened the livelihoods of the traders but also highlighted the need for more effective emergency response systems.
This incident is not an isolated one, as there have been previous instances of fire officers facing criticism for their response to emergencies. For example, in February 2024, residents of Konongo attacked fire officers for arriving late to a fire outbreak, causing damage to a tender .
The Ashanti Regional Minister’s outrage serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and improved response mechanisms within the fire service.
As the region works to rebuild and recover from this devastating incident, it is essential that measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Source:Ayisah Foster||The Punch newspaper
