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Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has cautioned citizens against attacks on firefighters deployed to contain fire outbreaks in the region.
He said violence against the men and women mandated to perform such critical national duty would not be countenance in the region, sending a strong warning that perpetrators would be severely dealt with when apprehended.
Dr Amoakohene, speaking at the climax of International Firefighters’ Day at Atonsu in the Asokwa Municipality, also bemoaned the vandalising of fire tenders procured with the taxpayer’s money.
The celebration themed, “Appreciating Our Heroes: Say No to Firefighter Assault and Fire Truck Vandalism,” was organised by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The event was attended by representatives from the Kumasi Metropolis, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Prisons Service and other security agencies.
Awards and plaques were presented to some officers in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication in firefighting efforts during the event.
Dr Amoakohene said residents in areas where the attacks and vandalism were recorded would be educated on the important role that the GNFS played in saving and protecting lives during emergencies.
“We are expected to move in and provide assistance to the firefighters but not to go in there to damage the tenders and attack them,” he said.
To ensure efficient delivery on their mandate in the region, the Regional Minister assured that boreholes would be drilled at some strategic areas to enhance operations of the GNFS.
He charged the GNFS to act against citizens who built stores or other structures over fire hydrants meant to assist in the provision of water during fire outbreaks.
Additionally, he urged the GNFS to rigorously and aggressively ensure compliance in the acquisition of fire certificates by individuals and developers before putting up buildings.
“Buildings are expected to have fire certificates. Be aggressive and active in ensuring that all buildings have fire certificates,” said Dr Amoakohene.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II Peter Tetteh, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the GNFS, revealed that the service had recorded three separate mob attacks at Ejisu, Konongo and Mamponteng in the first quarter of the year 2025.
He noted that the attackers were typically not victims of the fire outbreaks, but raather lawless, undisciplined and criminals who blame firefighters for arriving late without considering the distance they had to cover.
Consequently, ACFO (II) Tetteh said the incidents have led to the denial of help to the innocent and vulnerable victims of fire outbreaks, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.
The theme for the celebration was, therefore, carved to address the rising attacks on the GNFS on a day firefighters were being celebrated and honoured globally.
Source: GNA
