Five individuals have been arrested for attacking Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel while they tried to extinguish flames during a fire outbreak at the Racecourse Market in Bantama, Kumasi.
The fire, which started early Monday morning, damaged numerous metal and wooden structures, including food stalls, leading to loss of millions. Firefighters had to deal with an angry mob while they fought to contain the inferno.
In an interview with the media, Divisional Officer Grade 3 at the GNFS, who also doubles as the fire commander for the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Simon Ben Badu expressed dissatisfaction on behalf of the service regarding the attack against their officers.
He explained that the attack was as a result of allegations of delay in extinguishing the flames at the site and subsequently, some of the attackers have been apprehended and taken into police custody.
“The attack was as a result of, their belief that we delayed in getting to the scene. But we were able to apprehend some five of these attackers and they are currently at the police custody. We’re going to pursue this to the latter. The attack of firemen must stop!”
Firefighters often face attacks during their operations, often stemming from dissatisfaction with issues such as delays, which are the most prominent reasons. However, assaulting firefighters as they work to extinguish fires is completely unacceptable, as emphasized by the authorities. Ghanaians must refrain from engaging in such behavior.
Story by: Geliel Naa-Norley Kutorkor Kotey| univers.ug.edu.gh
