Annual Fire Ritual at Dagomba Line and Other Fire-Prone Areas

Sometimes one begins to wonder whether there is any hope for the future of this country called Ghana. Fire outbreaks at particular locations have become an annual ritual, raising the troubling question: can nothing be done to prevent the recurrence of these disasters?

There is an Akan proverb which says that it is only a fool who will allow his delicate part to be stepped on twice. Unfortunately, it appears those at the helm of affairs are either unaware of this proverb or unwilling to act on its wisdom.

Fire disasters occur, investigations are announced, and that is the end of the matter. If lessons were genuinely learnt, concrete measures would have been put in place to prevent the same incidents from recurring year after year.

Places such as Dagomba Line in Kumasi, Red Flats at Adenta, Kantamanto and several other locations are well known fire-disaster-prone areas. As a nation, we must put an end to this dangerous annual ritual.

The social cost of these fire disasters is enormous, aside from the financial losses suffered by property owners. A recent television interview showed clear despondency on the faces of victims of one such disaster.

One victim revealed that all his belongings had been consumed by the fire, leaving him with only the clothes he was wearing. The trauma these victims endure is no small matter and should concern every well-meaning citizen.

The state has a responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens, and everything must be done to find a permanent solution to this recurring menace. We cannot continue to throw our hands up in despair as though we lack the capacity to resolve these issues as a nation. When lives are lost alongside property, the trauma becomes unbearable and can easily push victims into mental distress.

Proactive preventive measures are urgently required to nip these fire disasters in the bud. Several weaknesses within our fire prevention architecture must be addressed without delay.

Recently, the Ghana National Fire Service complained about fire hydrant points being rendered inoperative by individuals who have built structures on them. This severely limits the ability of firefighters to combat fires effectively in certain communities.

Local assemblies must act decisively by enforcing compliance, demolishing illegal structures built on fire hydrant points and punishing offenders. Such actions will significantly enhance firefighting efforts when outbreaks occur.

The Fire Service must also liaise with local assemblies to identify and establish additional hydrant points as population growth and urban development continue, ensuring that response distances remain manageable during emergencies.

The disturbing rise in attacks on fire personnel is another worrying trend. Law enforcement agencies must support firefighters to enable them to carry out their lawful duties safely whenever they are called into action.

Public education on the role of firefighters and the challenges they face is equally essential. Citizens must see them as lifesavers, not villains who deliberately delay response efforts to allow property to be destroyed.

Furthermore, recommendations from previous fire incident investigations must be fully implemented to prevent a repetition of the same disasters.

The issue of haphazard construction without proper access routes for emergency vehicles must also be treated with urgency. Fire tenders must be able to get close enough to the source of a blaze to extinguish it effectively, and this responsibility lies squarely with local assemblies and planning authorities.

NB: Change Kotoka International Airport to Kofi Baako International Airport.

By Laud Kissi-Mensah

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