The Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has organised a workshop on fire safety and emergency management for selected journalists from Sekondi.
The training focused on the enactment of the Service, appliance dispatch, work on the fire scene, emergency management, fire certification and acquisition of fire reports.
During the opening of the training, the Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFOI) Mr Frederick Ohemeng, highlighted the importance of the media in educating the public on the roles of the Service and the need for public recognition of the sacrifices of firefighters. He urged the public to support them and not always criticise them.
Mr Ohemeng emphasised the need for the media to help educate the public to recognise the sacrifices of firefighters and fallen heroes, especially given that they worked under challenging conditions, including inadequate resources.
He questioned why firefighters were often beaten and insulted by the public, despite the crucial role they played in protecting communities.
The workshop aimed to help journalists improve their reportage, correct misconceptions among the public, and foster better relationships with the GNFS.
As a regulator, the GNFS issues permits for infrastructure, particularly public places like hotels, hospitals, and factories, and plays a critical role in technical committees of district assemblies.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop, describing it as very educative and an eye-opener to their profession.
Ms Veronica Baffour, one of the participants, said, “I now stand in an informed position to communicate better.”
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