The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Krachi East in the Oti Region is facing a major operational crisis as six out of its eight fire tenders have broken down, leaving the Service struggling to respond to emergencies.
In a desperate bid to remain functional, the Service has resorted to using a District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) water bowser as a makeshift fire tender in the area.
Mr Maxwell Ashong, the Oti Regional Public Relations Officer, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the DRIP water bowser is currently being deployed to respond to fire incidents.
He said fire personnel in the municipality are relying on private vehicles, motorcycles, and fire extinguishers to tackle outbreaks, a situation that is severely hampering operations.
According to him, the lack of equipment has led to delayed responses, sparking hostility from residents.
In a recent disturbing incident, community members in Dormabin assaulted fire officers who arrived in a pick-up vehicle to prevent a fire disaster in the catchment area.
Assistant District Fire Officer I (ADO I) Mr Isaac Aido, the Oti Regional Fire Operations Officer, confirmed the incident and underscored the challenges faced by the Service.
GNFS personnel in the municipality have appealed to the government to prioritize acquiring modern fire-fighting equipment to enable the service work properly.
Source: GNA
