The Head of the Business and Economic Bureau at the Ghana Union of Traders' Associations (GUTA), Charles Kusi Appiah, has called on the Ghana Fire Service to adopt a more proactive approach to handling fire emergencies.

His remarks follow a devastating fire that broke out over the weekend at the Blue Light Arena in Adum, Kumasi, destroying a two-storey building that housed several shops.

The fire, which began around 6 a.m., spread rapidly, causing significant damage despite efforts from fire officers to control the blaze.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Mr Appiah expressed deep concern about the Fire Service's preparedness and the challenges they face in dealing with such emergencies.

He pointed out that the Fire Service is often ill-equipped to handle fires of this magnitude.
"We cannot continue to watch these devastating fires unfold simply because the Fire Service is not adequately equipped," he said.

Mr Appiah highlighted the shortage of essential firefighting resources, such as hydrants, which hinder the ability of fire officers to effectively fight fires.
"They don’t have hydrants available to fight fires," he explained. "Firefighters receive their salaries every month, yet they are fully aware of these challenges. So, what have they done to resolve them?”

He stressed that the Fire Service should not rely solely on government support. Instead, it must take proactive measures to mobilise resources locally and ensure that it has the necessary tools to respond to emergencies.

"Proactive leadership is crucial," Mr Appiah said. "The Fire Service must regularly assess hydrant locations and ensure that emergency access points are always available. We cannot always rely on government support. The Fire Service must also take responsibility for ensuring they have the resources needed to perform their duties effectively."

Additionally, Mr Appiah highlighted the role of local businesses in supporting the Fire Service. "Local businesses are willing to help, but the Fire Service must also take action," he said.
"It’s not enough to just complain about the situation. The Fire Service must be seen actively working to improve its preparedness," he added.

Mr Appiah emphasised that improving the Fire Service’s readiness is a shared responsibility.

"While the government plays a crucial role, the Fire Service and local businesses must also play an active part in ensuring that the necessary resources and actions are in place to avoid such tragic incidents in the future," he concluded.