By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor
Tema, March 24, GNA – Madam Ebi Bright, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, has urged residents to support emergency preparedness measures aimed at preventing disasters in the metropolis.
She called for strict compliance with safety audits, removal of unauthorised structures, and cooperation with proactive disaster prevention strategies.
Madam Bright made the call during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) following the fatal Skyarrow microlight aircraft crash at the Oninku Drive School Park at Site 18 in Tema Community One.
She explained that the Assembly was shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive disaster prevention.
According to her, ongoing measures include auditing structures, removing unsafe and unauthorised buildings, and clearing waterways to improve environmental safety and prevent accidents.
Madam Bright appealed to residents to support these efforts by adhering to safety protocols and respecting designated emergency zones.
She also announced plans to establish safety and rescue clubs in schools within the metropolis to equip students with knowledge in emergency response, disaster management, and industrial safety.
She said the initiative would empower students to actively contribute to their own safety and that of their communities.
Divisional Officer II (DO II) Ebenezer Yenzu, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Tema, said no bystanders or students were injured in the incident, explaining that personnel from the GNFS retrieved the remains of the victims after the aircraft caught fire.
Mr Yenzu described the incident as traumatic and urged the public to act responsibly during emergencies instead of taking videos or photographs at disaster scenes.
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is currently investigating the incident, including reports that the aircraft had been grounded for about 22 years before returning to service in 2023.
Dr Ralph Armah, Medical Director of the Tema General Hospital, advised parents, teachers, and school authorities to monitor children for signs of trauma, including regression in neurodevelopmental milestones.
As part of the engagement, the TMA arranged psychological support for affected pupils and their parents.
A Skyarrow microlight aircraft travelling from Ho to Accra crashed into a school park at Tema Community One on March 16, 2026, killing two persons.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu