Hot!
‘Firefighting is shared responsibility’
Since firefighting is a shard responsibility, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Upper West Region has called for the establishment of Bush Fire Prevention Committee at the district and regional levels respectively.
The command maintained that the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) Law 229 which established the GNFS made provision for the setting up of such committees to facilitate the prevention and combating of accidental fires at the district and regional levels effectively.
In an interview with The Spectator Newspaper at Wa on Tuesday, the Regional Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Mr. Abraham Nii Dodoo said successful firefighting relied on joint efforts of the GNFS and other institutions.
“The Law 229 directs every District, Municipal or Metropolitan Assembly to form these committees with stakeholders from the assembly, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) or Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Electricity Company of Ghana which in our case will be the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), a representative from the traditional council and two other appointed members, with the District Chief Executive as the Chairman of the committee”, he said.
He noted that a similar team was supposed to be replicated at the regional level where information about fire safety from the district level was brought to the fore for redress and said the collaboration among the aforementioned stakeholders was very paramount in firefighting.
“So for instance the GWCL or the CWSA is responsible for the provision of fire tenders at vantage points to enable the GNFS draw water when the need arises to fight fire hence a committee of that nature would ensure that we work together to identify key areas where the tenders will be needed as well as work on existing fire tenders with low pressure,” he explained.
He stated again that traditional authorities also had the responsibility of assisting the service to engage community members on the dangers of bush fires and their implication on the local economy.
“These committees when established will boost our collaboration with other stakeholders and ensure that we work collectively to prevent and fight accidental fires”, he said.
He stressed that most importantly the GNFS was inaugurating fire safety volunteers in the region who could depend on the support of the bush fire committees for the supply of some basic implements they needed for the work.
“These volunteers as their title suggests are not paid but a little motivation from the assemblies within which they are located will boost their ability to work harder for the district. We as a service can only provide them, with wellington boots and identification cards, among others but when it comes to fuel and other petty items such as whistles, the district assembly can dedicate a little of its common fund to support and make them more effective”, he said.
He appealed to the MMDAs in the region to prioritise the setting up of those committees in order to support firefighting agenda in the region.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Wa
Hot!
Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
