The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey on Tuesday, 12th November, 2019 cut sod for the commencement of construction work on an Ultra-modern Forensic Fire Investigations Laboratory for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
In performing the ground breaking ceremony, the Deputy Minister said that the facility, when completed would enable the Fire Service deliver decisive reports whenever there were fire outbreaks.
Mr. Henry Quartey said the lack of a forensic laboratory has always negatively impacted on the outcome and timeliness of the release of fire investigation reports, adding that, it has always been a daunting task for Fire Officers in the past.
“There have been occasions the service could not prove beyond reasonable doubt the activities of arsonists in court due to the absence of a forensic laboratory”, he said.
Mr. Quartey indicated that, the rise of fire related crimes coupled with the sophisticated nature of other related incidents makes it extremely imperative to invest in such a structure.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to ensure that the security agencies in the country were well equipped to enable them combat crime to protect lives and properties, adding that the GNFS executes its constitutionally mandated duties by providing the needed logistics and equipment for its operations.
The Deputy Interior Minister, commended the University of Cape Coast for collaborating with the GNFS by way of training personnel in forensic investigations.
“It is my fervent hope that, this laboratory will drastically reduce if not bring an end the constraints faced by fire officers in investigating fires,” he said.
Mr. Quartey urged the Chief Fire Officer to ensure that the investment would be put to its intended use to derive the utmost benefit from it and also urged the contractors to expedite work for early completion of the building.
He also urged all personnel of the Service to continue to play their crucial role of saving the lives and property of Ghanaians to ensure that they keep our country safe and secure.
He announced that the service would soon take delivery of command vehicles for the use of Directors.
The National Insurance Commission (NIC) is providing funding for the project at a cost of GH₵ 200,000.00.
