Dr Albert Brown Gaisie (2nd from left) and others during the event
Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Eric Opoku, has commended the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as the most vibrant and innovative public institution in the country.
Mr Opoku made this assertion at the launch of the 2016/17 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign and the Ashanti Regional Launch of the Home Fire Prevention Certification Project (DUMGYA) in Kumasi on Thursday, October 13, 2017.
According to the minister, the Fire Service has stood tall among its pals in the last two years due to the leadership qualities of Dr Albert Brown Gaisie coupled with the various initiatives of the command of the service.
Mr Opoku added that in the past, one could not rely on the Fire Service to respond promptly to emergencies, but now there is a new Fire Service that can respond to any emergency and on time.
Speaking at the same ceremony, Mrs Adelaide Anno-Kumi, Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior who represented the Minister for the Interior, Prosper Bani, said Ghanaians should avoid barricading themselves with burglar proof, leaving very little or no room to evacuate in times of fire outbreak. She advised all to prevent bush burning to save the environment.
The Chief Fire Officer, Dr Albert Brown Gaisie, said bushfires have consequential effect on the economy, therefore, the time has come that all hands are put on deck to prevent bush burning.
He urged chiefs and opinion leaders to help ensure the protection of the environment and further called for a second look at the Control and Prevention of Bushfires Act1990, PNDC Law 229.