GNFS to be provided with rescue paraphernalia

Ho, May 23, GNA - The World Rescue Organisation (WRO) will donate rescue equipment to the Volta Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to enhance rescuing of accident victims who might be trapped in ravines and other inaccessible areas.

The Organisation would also provide metal cutting equipment to enable GNFS speedily and efficiently create access to road accident victims trapped in mangled vehicles.

Mr Dave Web, Chairman of WRO, who is leading a group of trainers of the WRO to organise short training sessions in Accra, for about 160 personnel of the GNFS, drawn from the regions announced these, during an interaction with personnel of the Regional and District Fire Posts in the Region on Saturday in Ho.

The WRO, which coordinates fire fighting, prevention and other rescue operations throughout the world, is in the country under the auspices of Ghana Outlook, a Ho based non-governmental organisation and its foreign partner, Ghana Outlook-UK.

Mr Dave said after the training and interactions with the officers, his team would present a report to the Chief Fire Officer and the Ministry of Interior on the training and equipment needs of the GNFS.

He said Fire Brigades throughout the world were required to attain skills to enable them to save lives in all emergencies and not during fire incidents alone.

Mr Dave said the WRO would present five Fire Engines to the GNFS, one of which would be given to the Ho office of the Service together with equipment to reach heights during fire outbreaks. Mr David Turpin, a member of the group, said some of the equipment of the GNFS were not in good condition and advised the authorities to ensure their regular maintenance.

Mr Yaw Barima, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment praised Ghana Outlook and its collaborators for inviting the group to assist the GNFS to improve its services. Mr Mawutor Goh, Ho District Chief Executive, asked the GNFS personnel to work harder since they play an important role in national development.

Mr William Mensah, Commandant of the Fire Academy and Training School, Mr Thomas Hyde Volta Regional Fire Officer and Mr Richard Galliford, Chairman of Ghana Outlook, UK accompanied Mr Web.