The Forensic Science Department at the University of Cape Coast has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to train personnel on forensic fire investigations.

Under the MOU, the university is expected to run professional courses for the personnel on forensic fire investigations that would change the face of how fire investigations are done in the country.

The agreement will also allow the Department of Forensic Science to boost the capacity of the fire service personnel by training them in forensic fire investigations.

Head of the Forensic Science Department at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Richmond Afoakwah, explained that the agreement was driven by the need to equip personnel of the GNFS with the needed skills to carry out its mandate.

“The country has recorded innumerable fires for which investigations normally stall because the expert to undertake such investigations are not present. These training, I’m hopeful, will bridge the gap and help train experts that will help the country deal with such incidences of fires,” he asserted.

Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Edwin Ekow Blankson was upbeat the collaboration would help address the various challenges the institution has been grappling with.  “In the wake of technological advancement, this will equip the service with the required expertise. We are thrilled by the collaboration and we are delighted Ghana would be the ultimate beneficiary,” he averred.

Edwin Ekow Blankson commended the Department of Forensic Science for their foresight and desire to help solve societal challenges.

“This is the whole essence of the academia: to help address societal challenges,” he opined.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Joseph Ghartey-Ampiah expressed his unending happiness for the collaboration between the Ghana National Fire Service and the Forensic Science Department indicating the move would go a long way to benefit students of the department as well.

He assured the university’s commitment to ensuring the success of the collaboration.