Activities at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital in the Bono region stopped momentarily after the facility conducted a fire safety simulation exercise.

The exercise, which was a collaboration between the management of the hospital and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), was to ascertain the level of preparedness of the staff in the event of a fire outbreak.

It was also to test staff response to emergencies, rescue, and evacuation procedures and further enhance safety for staff and clients.

The safety simulation exercise was also targeted at validating and enhancing the hospital's preparedness and response plans, procedures and systems for other hazards.

Speaking after the exercise, the Wenchi Municipal Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, DOII John Oppong Kusi, said it is part of the regulations that institutions should organise simulation exercises for their staff and customers.

He further explained that the security of management, staff and clients is important, hence the need to ascertain the level of preparedness and response of the staff in the event of a fire outbreak or any emergency.

The Wenchi Municipal Fire Commander observed that though the staff's response to the exercise was satisfactory, there was more room for improvement in some areas.

He advised the management and staff of institutions to call the relevant bodies when there is a disaster for swift intervention to prevent the loss of lives and properties.

DOII Oppong Kusi told JoyNews that the exercise was also to test the readiness of the GNFS to respond to any fire emergency at the institution.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wenchi Methodist Hospital, Nana Kwaku Kyei, expressed gratitude to the Ghana National Fire Service for such an exercise.

Explaining the rationale for the exercise, Nana Kyei said it was undertaken in line with the hospital's safety policy.

"We have trained and educated the staff on fire safety measures, while some have been trained to use fire extinguishers and hydrants, hence the need to try what they had learnt," he added.

He noted that based on observations of lapses, the hospital's readiness towards safety will be improved to ensure the safety of the workers.