On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, there was a fire at West Legon that left four firefighters injured, two of them critically. The last level of a two-story building collapsed on their heads.
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), located in Legon, is now admitting Raymond Ansah and Joshua Kankam, two firefighters who suffered burn injuries that have left them in severe condition.
Prince Ofori and Ibrahim Anum were treated and released after sustaining minor injuries. While fighting the fire at the commercial complex, they were a member of a crew from the Legon Fire Station when the tragic event took place.
Upon their admission on Wednesday, the firefighters received a visit from Chief Fire Officer Julius Kuunuor, who assured them of the management’s unwavering support for a speedy and full recovery.
The public relations officer for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Chief Fire Officer Timothy Osafo Affum, described the incident by saying that two of the building’s supporting pillars collapsed during the firefighting attempt, which ultimately caused the building to collapse.
It was difficult to predict because the collapse happened on the second floor, even though a safety officer was on the bottom floor keeping an eye on things. The GNFS intends to recall safety officials for reorientation in reaction to the event, stressing the need for increased awareness.
When asked if the injured firefighters were covered by insurance, the PRO said that such disasters were not covered by any particular policy.
But when they eventually recovered, he explained, they would get workman’s compensation, which was a general policy.
To improve their firefighting capabilities, Affum expressed gratitude for government funding that was provided this year for cutting-edge firefighting equipment and vehicles.
“Regarding this one, I am aware that money has been set aside to improve our operations by buying firefighting supplies.
Furthermore, the government has provided funding for our commanders to buy cars,” Mr. Affum said.
