The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for increased investment in rescue equipment for security agencies following the fire outbreak at the Odawna rubber factory amid Monday’s devastating floods.
Speaking at the scene, the MP expressed concern over the limited resources available to emergency responders, saying the shortage of equipment was hampering efforts to rescue people trapped by floodwaters.
“There are people who are trapped, and we are limited with the equipment that we have. We just brought some ropes and some extra life jackets, but it’s not enough,” she said.
She stressed the need for the country to shift from reacting to disasters after they occur to investing in preparedness.
“I think we need to get past the point of being reactive. We need to be pre-emptive,” she stated.
According to the MP, security agencies must be adequately resourced to respond effectively to emergencies, particularly during the rainy season when flooding has become a recurring challenge.
“The resources need to be given to the necessary agencies so they can be prepared,” she added.
Her comments come as personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and other emergency responders continue battling a fire at the Odawna rubber factory while also conducting rescue operations in flood-affected communities.
The heavy rains that battered parts of Accra on Monday triggered widespread flooding, leaving several roads submerged, stranding commuters, and complicating emergency response efforts across the capital.
