By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Oct. 24, GNA – The Central Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has given a strong assurance of their readiness to ensure a fire-free, peaceful and safe election and Christmas this year and beyond.
In collaboration with other security services, the Command has assured that it was up to the task to further deepen Ghana’s democratic processes.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer II (ACFOII), Merinda Mary Attigah-Mensah, the new Central Regional Fire Commander, said ensuring an incident-free election and Christmas were a collective responsibility.
She, therefore, cautioned social commentators against spreading false information or inciting public unrest, saying, “The law will come after you and take its course.”
ACFOII Attigah-Mensah was addressing her maiden meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Fire Officers from across the region to strategise ahead of the two mega-events.
The new Regional Commander who took over from ACFO 1 John Amarlai Amartey had been transferred to Accra.
Touching on fire-related issues, ACFOII Attigah-Mensah said though fire outbreaks tend to increase particularly during festive seasons, the Service remained equal to task.
“As we approach the elections and the Christmas festivities, we must be vigilant and proactive in our approach to fire safety.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of all citizens and to minimise the risk of fire-related incidents,” she added.
ACFOII Attigah-Mensah mentioned measures to intensify community engagement and education as key to reducing fire outbreaks.
“We need to empower our communities with knowledge on how to prevent fires, especially during the holiday season when cooking and decorations can pose significant risks,” she added.
In addition, the Service would also conduct drills and simulations to ensure that fire officers were well-prepared to respond to emergencies.
In collaboration with local authorities, GNFS will inspect high-risk areas, including markets and crowded public venues, to identify potential fire hazards.
“We urge all citizens to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when using fire,” Attigah-Mensah stated.
“Our officers will be on high alert to respond to any incidents that may arise,” she said.
GNA