The Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has increased fire safety inspections at shopping malls, radio stations and other public facilities in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis ahead of the approaching harmattan season.
The exercise is being led by Regional Commander Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I (ACFO I) Cecil Addo, with the aim of checking whether facilities are meeting fire safety regulations and have the equipment needed to prevent and respond to emergencies.
The inspections form part of the GNFS’s preventive measures ahead of the dry season. Hot, dry and windy conditions during harmattan can raise the risk of fire outbreaks.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, ACFO I Cecil Addo said the command was concerned about the possibility of more fires during the season and called on managers of public facilities to take appropriate precautions.
“We know we are getting to the harmattan, where the atmosphere is going to be very dry, and this is the time we experience most fires.
“So, we want to ensure that we go round and ensure that those places that are not fire-compliant get the necessary items and put them in readiness for any eventuality,” he said.
The team found different levels of compliance among the facilities it visited. While some had taken steps to meet the required standards, others were found to be falling short of their obligations.
Mr Addo raised particular concern over the fire safety arrangements at one radio station, saying it was struggling to meet basic requirements, including the provision of fire extinguishers.
The command is offering guidance to facility managers on how to correct the problems identified during the inspections and improve their ability to deal with possible fire emergencies.
Mr Addo said the inspections would continue, with the GNFS planning to return to the facilities to check whether the required improvements had been completed.
He also warned that businesses and institutions that failed to comply with fire safety regulations could face sanctions.
“We advise that you get what it takes to make sure your place is fire-compliant. Ours is to ensure public safety throughout the metropolis.
“If you are not doing the right thing, ours is to advise you from the beginning to ensure that you get the things in place,” he said.
The GNFS is urging facility managers to install and maintain working fire extinguishers, follow fire safety regulations and take early steps to reduce potential risks.
The Western Regional Command says the inspection programme is part of wider efforts to protect lives and property across the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis as the harmattan season approaches.
