GNFS Advocates for School Fire Safety Education Amid Regional Concerns Over Campus Tragedies

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is intensifying its advocacy for the integration of fire safety education into the school curriculum to foster a culture of prevention among the youth. Through its "Catch Them Young" initiative, the service seeks to collaborate with educational authorities and local assemblies to equip students with essential hazard identification and emergency response skills. During a recent inter-sectoral review meeting at the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly, Divisional Officer II Ebenezer Yenzu emphasized that early education is critical to building safer communities and ensuring that children can respond effectively to emergencies before they escalate.

A significant challenge highlighted by the GNFS is the growing trend of individuals prioritizing social media engagement over public safety. Yenzu expressed deep concern regarding the tendency of bystanders to record fire incidents on their phones for social media rather than immediately reporting them to the fire service. This shift in behavior often leads to critical delays in emergency response, allowing small, manageable fires to develop into major disasters. The GNFS is urging a shift in public mindset, stressing that swift reporting remains the most vital step in safeguarding lives and property.

The urgency of these safety measures is underscored by a recent tragedy in Kenya, where a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls School claimed the lives of 16 pupils and left 79 others injured. The incident has sparked international concern over school safety protocols and the enforcement of fire regulations. In the wake of the disaster, Kenya's Education Minister, Julius Ogamba, dissolved the school’s management due to significant safety breaches. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences when fire prevention and emergency preparedness are not prioritized within educational institutions.

Moving forward, the GNFS calls for a unified approach involving parents, teachers, and local government to ensure that safety education is not an afterthought. By institutionalizing fire safety training, authorities hope to prevent future tragedies and ensure that schools remain safe havens for learning. The service maintains that a proactive culture of prevention, supported by timely reporting and strict adherence to safety standards, is the only way to mitigate the recurring threat of school fires across the region.