By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA
Kumasi, May 01, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has acknowledged efforts of the Energy Commission in training and certifying electricians in recent years.
The service has observed that these trained experts’ operations have a significant impact on the operations and achievements of the GNFS and the nation at large.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer II (ACFO) Amos Abban, Deputy Regional Fire Commander, Ashanti Region, said data from the GNFS in Ashanti showed progress in fire prevention.
In the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, the region recorded 385 and 348 fire outbreaks respectively.
Electrical faults accounted for 13 percent of cases in 2025, dropping to six (6) percent in 2026.
He said contributing factors to electrical fires included substandard electrical items, poor wiring, overloaded circuits, lack of proper earthling, and loose connections that heat up inside walls.
Speaking at the Electrical Wiring Graduation ceremony organised by the Energy Commission in Kumasi, Mr. Abban noted that the GNFS Fire Prevention and Safety Unit had educated the public to engage only Energy Commission certified electricians.
“This education has greatly reduced electrical fire outbreaks in the Region,” he observed.
Mr. Abban urged the new electrical experts to uphold high standards as they entered the field, adding that they practiced with the utmost proficiency and uphold acceptable professional standards.
Graduands were also advised to use only high-quality electrical materials certified by the Ghana Standards Authority to reduce electrical fires.
Mr. Adolf Nii Ashong, Manager, Electricity Regulation, Energy Commission, said the Commission would seek sponsorship from the private sector and development partners to cover tools, transport, and certification fees for apprentices, especially women apprentices.
A total of 296 certified electricians were awarded certificates to enhance their professional competence and effective service delivery.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Florence Afriyie Mensah
Email: [email protected]