Probe GRA fire – BPS

The Bureau of Public Safety is calling for an immediate forensic investigation into the fire outbreak at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle office of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Sunday, 1 December 2019.

Although the GRA said no data or cash was lost in the fire, the Bureau said it will not rule out “criminal intent” or the work of a “smart” employee seeking to cover up a misdeed or it could just be a lapse in the facility’s operations and management.

The Bureau, in a statement signed by its Chief Executive Nana Yaw Akwada, said: “The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is a conglomerate of about four state institutions including Customs. Hence, the GRA, and its facilities are, or should be a designated 'sensitive state installation'. Thus, its operating spaces within and immediate environ must be effectively secured with relevant safety systems and also remain under constant (24/7) surveillance.

The statement said the fire that started and “advanced in the manner” it did “should not be a matter of usual everyday occurrence”, adding: “This could be the work of a ‘smart’ employee seeking a cover up over a misdeed” or could just be a lapse in the facility’s operations and management. But this happening in a sensitive security facility is a big deal.

“State security, the regulators and, indeed, the citizenry should be worried and deeply so. While I will not rule out criminal intent, it is extremely difficult for me to admit that the GRA building had no fire permit that will require them to install early warning systems, risers (from third floor upward), sprinkler systems, and other fire safety equipment in place.

“According to Regulations 11 and 12 of the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 LI 1724 and its Amendment Act LI 2249 of 2016, Fire Alarms and Fire Equipment on occupiers’ premises shall be inspected, at least, once every six months. Was the GRA in compliance or in violation of these provisions? Did the Ghana National Fire Service discharge its mandate accordingly?

“I will support an immediate forensic investigation into this matter”, Mr Akwada said, stressing: “Yes, an immediate forensic investigation could answer all the questions on our minds and help secure future state investments.”