The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has clarified that the China City Mall in Kumasi was fully certified for fire safety compliance before Thursday’s devastating blaze, contrary to earlier claims that the facility lacked proper safety approval.
Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, Divisional Officer (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, during an interview on Morning Starr with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Friday, October 31 stated that the facility had been properly certified.
Mr. Ackah explained “We cannot say the facility is not fire safety compliant. If you check, according to the regional commander, the place has been certified. If a place is certified, then it means that it meets the minimum requirement for observing the safety standard.”
He added that the mall’s management followed its emergency response plan swiftly, ensuring that everyone inside was safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.
“Before we got there, the workers and even the customers who had come around to shop had all been evacuated to safety. They even made an attempt to use portable fire extinguishers, and some of the workers had to fetch water in buckets to handle the situation,” he said.
Mr. Ackah noted, however, that the fire intensified quickly due to highly flammable materials stored in the warehouse, including furniture and mattresses.
“When it comes to stocking the warehouse, we need to employ all the safety protocols pertaining to housekeeping. We don’t have to stock to ceiling levels or obstruct walls. There has to be adequate spacing between the wares to prevent overheating and spontaneous ignition,” he advised.
He further reminded the public of the importance of early alerts to the Fire Service, stressing that “early calls save lives and property.”
The blaze, which started around 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Santasi Star Junction branch of China City Mall, completely destroyed the building and goods worth thousands of cedis. No casualties were recorded, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
