By Miriam Oparebea
Tema, May 30, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is urging collaboration with education authorities and local assemblies to introduce fire safety education in schools to build a prevention culture among young people.
Divisional Officer II Ebenezer Yenzu, Tema Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, said the initiative is aimed at equipping children with basic safety knowledge and emergency response skills from an early age.
DOII Yenzu made the remarks during an inter-sectoral review meeting organised by the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA).
He explained that the Fire Service is pursuing a strategic partnership with the Ghana Education Service and metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to integrate comprehensive fire safety programmes into local educational activities.
According to him, exposing children to fire safety education during their formative years would enable them to identify hazards, respond appropriately to emergencies, and contribute to safer communities.
He said the initiative forms part of the Service’s “Catch Them Young” campaign, which seeks to instil responsible safety practices among the youth.
DOII Yenzu noted that one of the major challenges facing emergency responders is the growing tendency for people to record fire outbreaks on mobile phones for social media instead of immediately reporting incidents to emergency services.
He expressed concern that some members of the public prioritise online engagement over public safety, leading to critical delays in emergency response.
He added that the situation is worsened by the fact that many citizens do not have emergency contact numbers readily available when incidents occur.
“Fire will not wait for a video to finish recording. Every second matters during an emergency,” he stated.
DOII Yenzu warned that delays in reporting fires often allow minor incidents to escalate into major disasters, putting lives, property, and entire communities at risk.
He therefore urged the public to prioritise prompt reporting and swift action during emergencies, while supporting ongoing efforts to promote fire safety awareness in schools and communities.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Miriam Oparebea, GNA
