The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on the Government to assist them in constructing a clinic and trauma facility to cater for the health needs of personnel.
He called for the provision of adequate fire insurance cover for personnel to secure their lives.
Mr Julius Kuunuor, the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the Service, made the call during the maiden visit of Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister of the Interior, to the headquarters to interact with personnel and share his vision with them.
He said in most incidents, responders had contracted a lot of diseases as a result of toxic inhalation due to the conditions under which they worked and not going for checkups.
“With the advent of technology and the resultant hazardous materials, which were usually encountered in firefighting and other operational activities, firemen and women were required to undergo regular and timely detoxification. However, this has become impossible due to the lack of a clinic and trauma facilities,” he added.
CFO Kuunour said in respect of the above, the Service was making efforts to have a fire clinic in each region and construct a Trauma Health Facility and hospital at Tema and in the Upper West Region.
The Service would heavily count on the assistance of the Minister in the realisation of that goal, he said.
The CFO, commending the Minister on his appointment, pledged the GNFS’ support in fulfilling his responsibility.
As part of the visit, the CFO briefed the Minister about the challenges, including inadequate fire stations, staff shortage, aging, inadequate appliances, and the scope of operations.
He said the Annual Fire Safety Week celebrations and various fire prevention campaigns had enabled the Service to reduce the number of outbreaks in the country.
He called for assistance in addressing the residential challenges to aid personnel during the protracted fire and other related emergencies.
Mr Muntaka, on his part, commended personnel for their sacrifices to the country and assured them of his support when the need arose.
He said the second coming of President Mahama was about leaving a legacy and, as such, retooling would be paramount to bring the Service to the desired level.
The Minister said the Government intended to provide the GNFS with the needed technology to enable the personnel to give of their best because of their crucial role in building the country.
He pledged his support in ensuring that personnel got their insurance and injury cover.
The CFO, by way of appreciation, presented a fire extinguisher to the Minister and adorned him with a Fire Service Kente Sache.
