By Samira Larbie
Accra, Nov 15, GNA- The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to ensure that residents of slums adhere to structural standards to improve accessibility during emergencies.
Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADOI), Alex King Nartey, stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that ensuring easy accessibility during emergencies is crucial in addressing the long-standing challenge of inadequate infrastructure in slum areas.
The call comes after a fire broke out early Thursday morning, destroying about 15 structures at Circle Odawna Tuobodom in Accra.
The GNFS quickly contained the inferno, preventing the flames from spreading to a nearby warehouse and over 200 other buildings.
Despite their quick response, ADOI Nartey said that the GNFS faced significant accessibility challenges due to the narrow and poorly planned layout of the area, underscoring the need for improved urban planning.
He also assured that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire, while urging residents and businesses to prioritize fire safety to avoid future incidents.
Meanwhile, victims of the fire have called for government assistance to help them rebuild, particularly as the festive season and elections approach.
Odawna Tuobodom is one of the areas that has frequently been affected by fires in recent times.
GNA