Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, could face a
serious crisis should there be major fire outbreaks, the Regional Fire Officer, Edwin Blankson has warned.
He said out of the 25 fire hydrants in the New Juaben municipality, only three — located at the ministries, the SSNIT flats and the All Nations University — are functioning.
He disclosed these when the Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, paid a familiarisation tour of the regional headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service and other security establishments.
“I must say that the hydrants situation in the region leaves much to be desired. We seem not to place any importance to it,” he said.
“Almost all the hydrants in the region are out of commission and operational men are compelled to comb distances before replenishing during emergencies,” he added.
According to Mr Blankson, 127 fires were recorded in the region between last year and so far this year which cost the nation GH¢34,064.00.
He said that 43 points have so far been located for the construction of new hydrants.
Mr Blankson thanked the regional minister for initiating moves to repair all the broken down fire engines in the region and assured him of the commitment, and dedication of the personnel.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said that it was high time bye-laws on fire prevention were enforced to ensure that sanity prevailed in the country.
He condemned the siting of filling stations close to power transmission pylons and asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be proactive in their operations.
At the Regional Police Headquarters, Mr Ofosu-Ampofo told security personnel to bury their political affiliations in discharging their duties and work only in the interest of the nation.
“The government is determined to make this nation a better place to live in, but it needs the support of all civilians and security personnel alike,” he said.
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Stephen Andoh said street-lights in some parts of the New Juaben municipality posed a great danger to security and cited the Residency road where the lights are not functioning.
serious crisis should there be major fire outbreaks, the Regional Fire Officer, Edwin Blankson has warned.
He said out of the 25 fire hydrants in the New Juaben municipality, only three — located at the ministries, the SSNIT flats and the All Nations University — are functioning.
He disclosed these when the Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, paid a familiarisation tour of the regional headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service and other security establishments.
“I must say that the hydrants situation in the region leaves much to be desired. We seem not to place any importance to it,” he said.
“Almost all the hydrants in the region are out of commission and operational men are compelled to comb distances before replenishing during emergencies,” he added.
According to Mr Blankson, 127 fires were recorded in the region between last year and so far this year which cost the nation GH¢34,064.00.
He said that 43 points have so far been located for the construction of new hydrants.
Mr Blankson thanked the regional minister for initiating moves to repair all the broken down fire engines in the region and assured him of the commitment, and dedication of the personnel.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said that it was high time bye-laws on fire prevention were enforced to ensure that sanity prevailed in the country.
He condemned the siting of filling stations close to power transmission pylons and asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be proactive in their operations.
At the Regional Police Headquarters, Mr Ofosu-Ampofo told security personnel to bury their political affiliations in discharging their duties and work only in the interest of the nation.
“The government is determined to make this nation a better place to live in, but it needs the support of all civilians and security personnel alike,” he said.
The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Stephen Andoh said street-lights in some parts of the New Juaben municipality posed a great danger to security and cited the Residency road where the lights are not functioning.
