Nana Yaw Akwada, Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, expressed deep concern over the poor maintenance culture within Ghana’s public safety institutions, including the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Ambulance Service, and the Ghana Police Service.
Akwada attributed this issue to a lack of accountability and the negative impact of a highly centralized management structure.
He argued that these centralized systems hinder effective oversight and responsiveness, ultimately compromising the quality and reliability of public safety services.
To address these challenges, Akwada advocated for a shift towards decentralized management for services such as the Ghana National Fire Service.
He asserted that this approach would enhance accountability and foster a more proactive maintenance culture.
His comments came in response to the alarming and deteriorating state of the Ghana National Fire Service, which has raised public concern about the readiness and effectiveness of critical safety institutions.
“About two months ago, I did say that nothing will change within these public safety institutions unless we begin to hold people accountable. This is the state of affairs. What is the plan that the Chief Fire Officer has to solve these challenges?
“If this data coming out is bad enough but there is no plan, that is the worst part. How could we train people with our meager resources only for them to come to work and do nothing?”
Nana Yaw Akwada
Akwada highlighted that the Legislative Instrument (L.I) establishing the National Fire Service grants it authority to conduct community inspections and provide regular training to prevent potential fire outbreaks.
However, he expressed concern that the National Fire Service fails to fulfill these responsibilities due to logistical constraints, raising doubts about its effectiveness in carrying out its duty to the nation.
Over Half of Fire Service Equipment Non-Operational
Moreover, Hon. James Agalga, a member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, remarked that he is not surprised by recent findings showing that over 50% of the Fire Service’s equipment is non-operational.
He attributed this situation to the government’s longstanding neglect of the Ghana National Fire Service.
Hon. Agalga pointed out that the last major provision of firefighting equipment to the Fire Service was in 2014, underscoring the severity of the current situation.
“When I was Deputy Minister for the Interior, the last batch of fire tenders were delivered. Prior to the last delivery, [former president] Prof. Mills also ordered over 126 fire-fighting vehicles.
“So cumulatively, all the vehicles we have now, not even a single one was bought by this administration. Yet, it is common knowledge that after eight years, those vehicles are supposed to be replaced because these are vehicles that are supposed to move at a certain speed”.
Hon. James Agalga
Agalga further noted that while the Fire Service vehicles require specialized maintenance by trained experts, they are instead being handled by ordinary mechanics, compromising the quality and longevity of the equipment.
He criticized the government’s lack of responsiveness to the challenges facing the Fire Service, calling it an unfortunate disregard for public safety.
According to Agalga, this neglect stems from the government’s perception that the Fire Service is not a priority, leading to insufficient attention and resources allocated to support its operations. “Look, as a committee, anytime the budget of the Fire Service is brought before us for approval, we have always spoken out against the meager budgetary allocation”.
Hon. Agalga disclosed that the committee has consistently urged the government to retool the National Fire Service, stressing the critical need for adequate equipment and resources.
He expressed frustration that all efforts to secure dedicated funding for security and safety institutions have repeatedly failed, underscoring the lack of meaningful progress.
Agalga emphasized, however, that the core issue is not merely the absence of dedicated funding; rather, it is the government’s lack of political will to address the Fire Service’s challenges.
He argued that without a genuine commitment to prioritizing public safety, the necessary changes will remain unfulfilled.“Let the government demonstrate some political commitment”.
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