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01.09.2016 Social News

GNFS partners agencies to test disaster readiness

01.09.2016 LISTEN
By GNA

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Takoradi, Sept.1, GNA - The Western Regional Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and four other agencies on Wednesday undertook a five-hour simulation exercise to test their readiness towards managing fuel and other dangerous chemical spillages in the Metropolis.

The exercise was among others aimed at ensuring minimal impact of disasters, as well as save lives and property.

The four collaborative agencies comprise the National Disaster Management Organisation, the Ghana Police Service, the National Petroleum Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr Emmanuel Bonney, the Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, told the Ghana News Agency that the Metropolis has become the hub of oil and gas activities and it was therefore imperative for disaster management institutions to adequately prepare in order to handle unforeseen disasters.

He said disaster scenarios such as vehicle head-on-collisions, fuel and dangerous chemical spillages, as well as violent demonstrations were created at five emergency centres and tasked personnel from the partner agencies to collaborate with the GNFS to handle the situations.

Mr Bonney said two operational centres were also created at the offices of the Regional Coordinating Council and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly where the personnel trained in disaster managements conveyed the feigned injured victims for first aid and other emergency treatment.

The simulation exercise took place at the Sekondi College Junction, Bakaegyir Township, the Ghana Secondary Technical School, the Takoradi Market Circle and Apremdo Township, which he said served as emergency locations.

The event was funded by the United Nations Development Programme. GNA

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