GENERAL NEWS

Accra: 66 dead, 24 injured in fire outbreaks

At least 66 persons died and 24 others suffered in­juries due to fire outbreaks and other related incidents in the first half of this year as against 69 deaths and 162 injuries the previous year, the Greater Accra Regional Fire Command has said.

Similarly, 662 fire outbreaks were recorded within six months as against 640 fires within the same period last year, representing three percent increase in the fire outbreaks attributed to human behavior in the region.

The Accra Regional Com­mander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Grade One, Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, disclosed this at an engagement with journalists in Accra yesterday to discuss issues related to fire outbreaks in the region.

It also formed part of this year’s fire educational campaign to create fire safety awareness to the public.

The programme, which was on the theme “60 years of existence, fire safety: the choice for safer environment”, brought together Municipal Fire Commanders, senior and junior officers from the regional command.

ACFO I Ghanson said domes­tic fires top the cases with 234 as compared to 197 fires in 2022, representing an increase of three per cent, all attributable to human behaviour.

She stated that the media had contributed immensely in bringing the Service’s vision to bare consid­ering its function of educating the public.

ACFO1 Ghanson said the Com­mand also in the first half of 2023 responded to 22 rescue incidents as well as 22 road traffic accidents.

She said the estimated cost of damages caused by fire outbreaks in the first half of this year was GH¢34,590,914.00.

ACFO1 Ghanson said the Gha­na National fire Service (GNFS) would sensitise members of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and market women.

She said the Service would also inspect national installations, undertake stimulation exercise, and meet with operators of event cen­tres, club houses, drinking spots and night clubs.

The Accra Regional Fire Safety Officer, Divisional Officer Grade One (DOI), Evans Osei Owusu, stated that the role of the media was crucial in addressing fire safety issues in the country.

He urged journalists to col­laborate with the GNFS in its education drive to ensure that lives and properties were saved in the country.

DOI Owusu urged the public to desist from attacking GNFS personnel while on duty.

The Deputy Director of Oper­ations, DOI Joseph Kofi Forson, mentioned accessibility, inadequate source of water, negative attitudes as some of the things affecting GNFS’ operations.

He urged the public to make fire safety a priority, which according to him was a shared responsibility.

A representative from the Gha­na Institute of Architects, Mr Da­vid Parkins, commended personnel of the GNFS for ensuring that lives and properties were saved even at the peril of the own lives.

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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