MPs demand implementation of free fire extinguisher policy for homes

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior, Seth Kwame Acheampong, has called for the immediate implementation of the National Fire Safety programme popularly known as the “Dumgya Project” to curb the frequent fire outbreaks in homes and commercial buildings.

The project, which intends to give every household a free fire extinguisher, is targeted at minimising or eliminating the frequent fire outbreaks in homes and commercial buildings to save lives and properties.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Act (Act 537, 1997) gives it the mandate to provide humanitarian service of preventing and managing undesired fires.

To this effect, the government through a Public Private Partnership has initiated the “Dumgya Project” to distribute free fire extinguishers to homes and commercial properties.

Parliamentary Select Committee

The members of the parliamentary select committee on Defence and Interior during a working visit to the warehouses containing fire extinguishers expressed their frustrations at the delay in implementing the programme.

The Ranking Member of the Committee, Mr James Agalga questioned why the government had not shown interest in implementing the programme since it had the potential to create jobs as well as saving lives and properties.

He has consequently called on the government, Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana National Fire Service to immediately roll out the programme to help avert fire disasters.

The Managing Director of the ‘Dumgya Project’, Mr Akif Cogoit, who conducted the Members of Parliament through the warehouses to inspect the fire extinguishers explained that the project will influence the establishment of factories in Ghana to manufacture fire extinguishers.

He said jobs would be created for citizens in the manufacturing process and distribution of the fire extinguishers.