The Greater Accra Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has intensified its call for heightened public vigilance and strict adherence to fire safety protocols in the wake of ongoing power outages affecting parts of the country.
The advisory comes at a time when several communities in the capital are grappling with intermittent electricity supply, a situation linked to a recent fire outbreak at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo)’s substation in Akosombo.
The disruption in power has raised concerns among authorities about the increased risk of fire incidents, particularly as residents attempt to manage fluctuating electricity supply in their homes and workplaces.
In an interview with Citi News, the Greater Accra Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, underscored the importance of exercising caution, especially when power is restored after outages.
He warned that sudden surges in electricity could pose serious risks if appliances are not handled properly.
According to him, one of the key safety measures residents must adopt is to avoid switching on electrical appliances immediately after power returns.
He explained that such actions could lead to electrical faults, short circuits, and in worst-case scenarios, fire outbreaks that may result in significant damage to property and loss of life.
ACFO II Nisawu stressed that individuals must take personal responsibility for their safety.
“You must take full responsibility because the little mistake that you make, the fan you are enjoying, don’t forget, is being powered by energy. The ice water you are enjoying is being powered by energy. The gas cylinder that you are using to cook is powered by energy.
“So for me, the implication of not handling issues of fire safety carefully can cause a lot of disaster. And like I said, I don’t want to go into this because we all know the cause of what has happened but then that should also be a wake-up call.”
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