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
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
