Western Regional Fire Command intensifies safety inspections ahead of harmattan

The Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has intensified 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, led by the Regional Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I (ACFO I) Cecil Addo, is aimed at assessing compliance with fire safety regulations and ensuring that facilities are adequately equipped to prevent and respond to fire emergencies.

The inspection forms part of the service’s preventive measures to reduce fire outbreaks during the dry season, when hot, dry and windy conditions can increase fire risks.

Speaking to the media after the exercise, ACFO I Cecil Addo said the command was concerned about the potential increase in fire incidents during harmattan and was urging facility managers to take the necessary 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 inspection team observed varying levels of compliance among the facilities visited, with some demonstrating efforts to meet fire safety requirements while others fell short of the prescribed standards.

Mr. Addo expressed concern about the state of fire safety at a radio station visited during the exercise, noting that the facility was struggling to meet basic requirements, including the provision of fire extinguishers.

He said the command was providing guidance to facility managers to help them address identified deficiencies and improve their preparedness for potential fire emergencies.

The Regional Commander warned that the inspections would continue and that the command would revisit the facilities to assess whether the necessary improvements had been made.

He cautioned that businesses and institutions that fail 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 functional fire extinguishers, comply with safety regulations and take proactive steps to minimise fire risks.

The command says the exercise is part of broader efforts to safeguard lives and property across the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis as the harmattan season approaches.