GNFS calls for sponsorship packages

Winneba, Jan 28, GNA - The Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Fire Officer, Mr Bartholomew J. Nketsiah has called on industrial establishments in the country to extend their sponsorship package deals for football clubs and beauty queen organisers to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

Such support could either be in cash or kind.

This would enable the GNFS to organise periodic workshops for traditional chiefs, members of the various fire volunteer groups, unit committee and district assembly members on fire prevention and combating to reduce the outbreak of fire disasters.

Mr Nketsiah was addressing workers of the GNFS at Winneba on efforts being made by the government to help GNFS address the devastating effects of domestic and bushfire disasters on individuals, communities and the nation.

He said such sponsorship packages would also assist the GNFS provide incentives and adequate logistics to thousands of five volunteers in the countryside to motivate them to work hard to protect the forest reserves and water bodies.

Mr Nketsiah said apart from the fire volunteer groups, the administration of GNFS could also use part of whatever package that would be extended to the organisation to establish an annual award scheme to honour best fire volunteer groups, as well as best fire prevention communities in the country.

He regretted that indiscriminate burning of the bush, which has now become almost annual ritual in many communities in the countryside has virtually wiped out vital animal species and reptiles, adding that strenuous and collaborative effort should be made by all to protect the ecology.

Mr Nketsiah said the GNFS has a lot of important programmes that would enhance the operations of rural fire volunteers, adding that lack of adequate financial and other resources was impeding the implementation of such useful programmes.

This has necessitated the call on private organisations and individuals, who could afford, to consider extending a helping hand in the form of sponsorship packages to the GNFS.