Angry residents in Konongo, located in the Asante Akim Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region, vented their frustration by attacking fire officers and causing damage to a fire tender on Saturday, February 10, 2024. The incident stemmed from the residents' accusations of delayed response by the fire officers to a fire outbreak in the area.
According to reports, fire officers from Konongo had been deployed to a fire scene near Nkwakwa. However, while they were attending to the situation, they received another distress call and had to rush back to Konongo township. This action, which was necessitated by the limited availability of fire engines serving several communities, apparently incensed the residents.
In response to what they perceived as a delayed arrival, the angry residents began pelting stones and other offensive items at the fire crew. This hostile behavior resulted in damage to the fire engine and left the fire officers traumatized by the ordeal.
The police have initiated investigations into the incident, although no arrests have been made at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has condemned the attack, cautioning the public against such actions. D.O.3 Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, emphasized that attacking fire officers contravenes Ghana's laws and urged individuals to refrain from obstructing officers in the execution of their duties.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by emergency responders in fulfilling their mandate amid public scrutiny and hostility.
