The only fire tender serving the Kintampo North Municipality in the Bono East Region has broken down, placing significant pressure on personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The 12-year-old appliance, which has served the municipality for over a decade, is currently grounded due to an engine fault, affecting the response to fire outbreaks and road traffic accidents.
In recent weeks, officers at the Kintampo Municipal Fire Command have faced challenging conditions, responding to at least five separate accident scenes without adequate equipment.
The Kintampo North Municipal Divisional Officer, DOII Dominic Twum Prempeh, described the situation as dire.
“Our only fire tender is broken due to an engine fault. Now, whenever there is an accident or fire outbreak, we have to depend on the Ghana Police Service for support,” he said.
He appealed to organisations and stakeholders to assist in repairing the faulty appliance.
“We have written to organisations we work with to support us in fixing the broken-down fire tender,” he added.
A resident, Mr Ignatius Kameyo, also shared his experience following a recent fire incident.
“I am a farmer. About two weeks ago, I had a fire outbreak and called the fire service, but they could not respond. Later, I heard the fire tender had broken down. Government should replace it,” he said.
Many residents have reported similar experiences, raising concerns about delayed emergency responses in the municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Kintampo North, Mr Isaac Donkor, has also called for urgent intervention, appealing to individuals and corporate organisations to support efforts to repair or replace the fire tender.