The three-day conference, which began last Wednesday, provides the Ghana National Fire Service with an opportunity to delve into the challenges it faces in its operations and identify strategies to overcome them.
The theme is “60 Years: Ensuring Effective Fire Management – The Role of Stakeholders”, highlighting the important role each stakeholder plays in ensuring effective fire management. It summarizes the essence of the journey.
The meeting is attended by officials from the Fire Safety Management Sector comprising local chiefs, the Ghana Water Company, the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environmental Professionals (GhISEP) and the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA).
Effects of fire
Fire Council Chairman Kwame Animadu Antwi, representing Home Affairs Minister Ambrose Derry, said the fires had a devastating impact on lives, property and the environment.
He said the ability to prevent, manage and reduce these risks is essential to a country’s security and development.
Mr Derry said firefighters and their partners should therefore be commended for their tireless efforts, including risking their lives to protect the public and communities.
However, he called on police officers to step up their education on the need for the public to protect their homes, neighborhoods and property at all times.
“Prevention is the cornerstone of our fire safety strategy.
We need to continue to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety measures, from designing fire-safe buildings to responsible land management practices,” the Minister added.
He also said that cooperation and coordination among stakeholders is paramount, as through such partnerships the service can mobilize resources quickly and efficiently.
“Advances in firefighting equipment, early warning systems, and data analytics are transforming our ability to effectively fight fires.
“We need to invest in these technologies and leverage them to stay ahead of wildfires and urban fires,” Derry added.
collaboration
Chief Fire Officer Julius A. Knuor said the fire service recognizes the importance of cooperation, synergy and shared responsibility in protecting the nation from the effects of devastating fires. Ta.
“We must work together as a community to raise awareness about the causes, prevention, and dangers of fires and other incidents, and to take all necessary proactive steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.” he added.
outbreak of fire
The service recorded a 4.9% decrease in the number of fire incidents from January 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023 compared to the same period last year.
“We also responded to 532 traffic accidents resulting in 263 deaths and 2,557 injuries between January 1, 2023 and November 30, 2023, compared to 2022. There were 582 road accidents, resulting in 322 deaths and 2,637 injuries,” Knuor said.
“We will celebrate our successes, learn from our failures, and collectively chart a course that aligns with modern challenges in fire management, while laying the foundation for a future where fire management is more efficient, effective, and inclusive.” ” he said.