The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region has been compelled to use a District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) water bowser as a temporary fire tender due to the lack of functional fire-fighting equipment.
Reports indicate that six out of the eight fire tenders in the Oti Region are currently out of service, leaving officers with limited options when responding to emergencies. In some cases, they have had to rely on private vehicles, motorcycles, and fire extinguishers to tackle fire outbreaks.
Speaking to Adom News, Oti Regional Public Relations Officer Maxwell Ashong said the DRIP machine has been deployed to respond to fire incidents since the official fire tender broke down. He emphasised that the Service must remain ready at all times despite these logistical challenges.
“The lack of adequate equipment is a major setback to our operations,” he said, noting that delayed responses have sometimes led to hostility from residents.
Confirming an incident in Domaben, Oti Regional Fire Operations Officer, ADO I Isaac Aido, revealed that some community members assaulted fire officers after they arrived in a pickup vehicle instead of a fire tender. Officers were reportedly slapped and had sachet water thrown at them during the incident.
Mr. Ashong appealed to the government to prioritise the acquisition of modern fire-fighting equipment to strengthen the effectiveness of the GNFS, noting that provisions have already been made in the national budget to secure new equipment.
READ ALSO:
