Accra: The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Adidome has conducted a comprehensive training program for the staff of Adidome Government Hospital, focusing on fire prevention and emergency response to enhance safety at one of the Volta Region's key healthcare facilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was part of a broader community safety program by GNFS aimed at minimizing fire risks in essential public institutions. The training featured a two-part exercise: an inspection and a practical education session. Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I (ADO I) Felix Nunekpeku, the Acting District Fire Commander, spearheaded the exercise, highlighting its importance due to the hospital's critical role in serving the three Tongu districts. He stressed that fire safety in health facilities is crucial, as any outbreak could severely impact patients, staff, and medical infrastructure.
The inspection team, including ADO II Christable Akorfa Akpetey, ASTN/O Perry Gabienu, and the duty crew, evaluated fire escape routes, electrical systems, firefighting water sources, LPG usage, and the condition of fire extinguishers. The safety education session was chaired by Dr. Ahiavi, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, who praised the training as timely and beneficial. He noted that the exercise had improved the hospital's emergency preparedness and boosted staff confidence in handling incidents.
Mr. Perry Gabienu, an Assistant Station Officer, educated participants on fire dynamics and the fire triangle-fuel, heat, and oxygen. He advised on safe gas cylinder handling, the need to switch off electrical mains during fires, and the importance of contacting the Fire Service promptly. ADO II Akpetey discussed kitchen and electrical safety, demonstrating how wet blankets can extinguish burning cooking utensils and highlighting the dangers of overloading circuits and the need for safe wiring practices. She encouraged staff to adopt fire prevention as a daily habit.
ADO I Nunekpeku concluded the session by instructing staff on different types of extinguishers, their parts, and uses. ASTN/O Gabienu led a practical demonstration where staff used Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers to extinguish flames. Participants were also urged to spread fire safety awareness at home, teach children safe practices, and adhere to the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724).
The program concluded with a clean-up exercise in Adidome township, led by Mr. Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assemblyman for Adidome Central Electoral Area, who praised the GNFS for integrating fire education with community sanitation, emphasizing a commitment to comprehensive safety.
