Every 20 years, the electrical wiring is changed

In Ghana, over the past several years, numerous businesses such as warehouses, corporate establishments and retail outlets have suffered from outbreaks of fire.

The majority of the fires occurred in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi in commercial centres which have led to the loss of goods totalling millions of Ghana cedis, as well as damage to properties and loss of lives. In many of the cases poor electrical wiring is thought to be the cause, although not all fire outbreaks have been established.

Last Thursday in Accra, Mr Prince-Billy Anaglate, the Assistant Public Relations Director of the GNFS (Ghana National Fire Service), stressed that it is essential that every 20 years, consumers should change their electrical wires. He stated that by doing this, it will help reduce the overall fire outbreaks that could be caused due to having a weakened wiring system. After the launch, Mr Anaglate was speaking of a new cloth which would be given to the REFOA (Retired Fire Officers Association), which would be the official wear of the retired officers.

Mr Sam Vallis Akyianu, who is a former Chief Fire Officer, has blamed the recent rise in fire outbreaks within the country to the use of substandard electrical wire. It is believed that most importers of electrical wires manage to get their goods into the country bypassing the necessary checks at various entry points.

 Brigadier General John Bosco Guriyi, who is the acting Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, has encouraged the retired officers to unite and work hard to move the association forward.
He also noted that they are undergoing plans to raise the image of REFOA, and called on all non-registered members to do so to enable them to enjoy all the benefits of the group.