The Ghana National Fire Service has appealed for the support of the district and municipal assemblies in the Volta Region to enhance the safety of lives and properties.
The Volta Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Fire Officer I, Joy Ameyibor Ayim, entreated the assemblies to establish bush fire control sub-committees and increase the number of fire stations and posts to augment fire fighting.
He was speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the International Firefighters Day in Ho.
He believes the above interventions would reduce the response time to emergencies and as well enhance proximity of fire fighters to the community.
ASO I Ayim used the opportunity to appeal to the public to support the Fire Service with vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles.
“A well resourced Fire Service is a catalyst for an enhanced Public Safety,” he said.
He appreciated efforts of his officers and sister Services in combatting fire in the region and honoured the memory of ADOII Joseph Baidoo, who died during a rescue operation at Gomoa Oboasi.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa, who graced the occasion, lauded the commitment of fire officers in the region.
He entreated them to deliver their duties “according to their protocols” and accept criticisms in good faith.
“Let’s all examine ourselves to make sure that we are doing the right thing.”
Dr Letsa lauded the roles and partnership between the Fire and Ambulance services in rescuing accident victims on roads in the region.
Some firefighters stationed in the Volta Region converged at the regional command to honour and mourn officers who had fallen in the line of duty to save life and property.
The occasion was also used to create awareness of the sacrifices of fire fighters, and the need to prevent fire outbreaks.
DOI Henry Gogovi, who is the most senior officer in the Volta Region, was honoured for his selfless service to firefighting.
Wreaths were laid for officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.