The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, this morning commissioned a Smoke chamber at the Ghana National Fire Service Training school in Accra.
The chamber which has been named after Hannah Yawson, a fire personnel who died during a simulation exercise by the GNFS at the cedi House is to enable fire fighters gain exposure in fighting fire within a confined space.
Commissioning the chamber, Mr. Dery noted that a smoke chamber is one of the basic infrastructure for professional firefighting training and thus lauded the Fire Academy and Training School for striving to own one.

He indicated that the need for incident responders such as the Ghana National Fire Service to be trained in the efficient use of breathing apparatus and other likes cannot be over-emphasized especially due to the sophistication of the Built environment in respect of building materials.

Mr. Dery reiterated the government’s commitment to retooling the security services with adequate equipment in addition to building capacities so they can deliver on their mandate.

“The Government of Mr. President, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akuffo Addo recognizes that effective training coupled with adequate tooling is critical for effective service delivery. The Government will therefore not relent in its effort to build the capacity of our firefighters to enable the Service discharge its mandate to the nation efficiently. I am happy to announce that efforts are far advanced to procure Hydraulic Platforms to aid your firefighting in high rise buildings. Government is determined to ensure that the Service lives up to its mandate as well as be one of the best on the continent.

Efforts are also being made by Government to recruit more personnel and to improve the supply of major operational equipment such as Foam Compound, Firefighting Hoses, Breathing Apparatus, Firefighting Suits, Fire Combat Boots, among others, as well as ensuring that the Road Traffic Collision Unit of the Service is well equipped in view of the increasing spate of accidents on our roads in recent times.” He said.

The Minister expressed his appreciation to the National Insurance Commission, Benso Oil Palm Plantation limited, African Concrete Products and other individuals who supported in the construction of the chamber.
Mr. Dery was hopeful that the use of the facility will translate into efficiency and safety of firefighters on incident grounds.