Mr. Samuel Agyei, the Station Officer in Charge of Rural Fires at the Dormaa Ahenkro fire station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has urged electricity users to ensure all electrical appliances and devices are switched off and unplugged before departing for work to prevent fire outbreaks stemming from electrical sources.
Speaking on the GIFTs FM morning show, addressing the mid-year report of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) for 2025, which disclosed that the majority of fire incidents this year were attributed to electricity, Mr. Agyei underscored the instability of Ghana’s electricity supply, characterized by frequent power fluctuations. He highlighted the necessity of switching off all electrical appliances immediately when a blackout occurs and advised waiting 3 to 5 minutes before turning them back on once power is restored.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of ensuring electrical devices are turned off and unplugged before leaving for work to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks.
Addressing the use of LPG for cooking purposes in our households, Mr. Samuel Agyei emphasized the necessity for gas users to exercise vigilance and attentiveness during its use.
He underscored the importance of ensuring thorough food preparation and the imperative of turning off cylinders prior to engaging in other activities.
He cautioned against the hazardous practice of placing stones on regulators to prevent gas leaks, describing this method as perilous and prone to igniting fires.
Additionally, he warned against the preparation of meals using 5kg cylinders within living rooms, a practice that heightens the risk of fire outbreaks if not conducted with caution. He stressed the significance of situating these cylinders in kitchens or well-ventilated areas to avert potential fire hazards stemming from cylinder explosions.
Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (GIFTs FM)
