Kumasi: Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has advocated for the establishment of a task command to combat predictable disasters, especially fire outbreaks, in the region and beyond. The proposed task command is envisioned as an inter-sectoral entity comprising members from all security commands, with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) playing a pivotal role in disaster management.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Amoakohene made this call during the culmination of the International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) celebration held by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at Atonsu Agogo in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The event was themed, 'Appreciating Our Heroes: Say No to Firefighter Assault and Fire Truck Vandalism.'
Dr Amoakohene emphasized that forming the task command would facilitate the proactive identification of fire and other impending disaster risks in the region, ensuring timely interventions to prevent avoidable disasters. He also promised the Regional GNFS a fair share of the 5,000 young recruits being hired by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to support the fire department's efforts against fire outbreaks.
He urged the GNFS to develop an effective module for the recruits to ensure they complement rather than compete with the existing staff. 'Put them to good use in your preventive strategies in terms of educating the public. They can as well provide information on activities going on in high-risk areas that need intervention before fire sets in,' he advised.
Furthermore, Dr Amoakohene assured the GNFS that the government was working on procuring new fire tenders to enhance service delivery. In the meantime, he encouraged the GNFS to manage the existing tenders and equipment effectively until the new ones arrive. He commended the firefighters for their dedication and service to the citizens, region, and country.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II Peter Tetteh, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the GNFS, highlighted that the IFFD was celebrated to honor and remember firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. ACFO (II) Tetteh acknowledged the risks firefighters face and the unwarranted public attacks they encountered in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, which included nine mob attacks and three incidents of vandalism on fire tenders.
He condemned these acts as they disrupt the GNFS's operations and sometimes prevent assistance to vulnerable fire victims. The Regional Commander urged the public to support the GNFS in their mission rather than targeting firefighters and damaging their equipment. ACFO (II) Tetteh expressed gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Minister for his support in ensuring quality service delivery by the GNFS in the region.
