TITLE:
Review of Catastrophic Fires and Risk Communication, Ghana
AUTHORS:
Ishmael D. Norman, Blandina M. Awiah, Moses K. Aikins, Fred N. Binka
KEYWORDS:
Risk Communications, Catastrophic Fires, Fire Emergencies Preparedness, Cost of Fire Damages, Ghana
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Applied Sociology,
Vol.5 No.5,
May
29,
2015
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The incidence and prevalence of
catastrophic fire outbreaks in Ghana appear to be very high. We wanted to
review the data on the incidence and prevalence of catastrophic fires inall the administrative regions of Ghana in order
to understand the situation better. It would also help to inform policy and
interventions. Objective: We reviewed the statistics and other data of catastrophic
fires in Ghana between 2004 and 2012. We identified the potential limitations
for the existing national fire prevention system and provided suggestions for
improvement. Method: We adopted the annual statistical data of the incidence of
fire nationwide compiled by the National Fire Service “as is”. We relied on the
Service’s field reports at the time of fire interventions and telephone and key
informant interview to determine whether there was pre-event, event and
post-event risk communication on the threat of fire within the affected sites.
We also reviewed the National Emergency Master Plan, 1997; amended (2010) to
assess whether it addressed fire emergencies. We conducted field visits to the
Fire Service sub-stations within Accra City to assess the conditions on the
ground. We also carried out documentary search on the internet to locate
appropriate literature and summarized the findings into their respective units.
Result: The result shows that catastrophic fire outbreak in Ghana occurred at
least once a month at the cost of USD $16 m per year between 2004 and 2012.
There is no coordinated fire risk communication and advocacy, which may have
led to the low risk perception in the population affected. Discussion: The recurrence
of industrial and domestic fires in Ghana suggests that the population may have
low risk perception, which requires intensified public education on risk in
general. Conclusion: Residents in Ghana are confronted with the existential
threat of fires in all their walks of lives, which needs to be addressed. The incidence and prevalence of fire risk in Ghana should be of interests to all.