Omanghana
The Greater Accra Regional Fire Command of the Ghana National Fire Service has partnered with the Inspection Unit of Ghana Water Limited to assess fire hydrants across the Makola Market enclave and sections of High Street in Accra.
The joint exercise was led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer II Rashid Nisawu and focused on determining whether ground hydrants within the Central Business District were functional, accessible and ready for use during emergencies.
The team inspected the condition of the hydrants, tested water flow and examined whether firefighters could reach them quickly during an outbreak. The exercise also sought to identify hydrants blocked by trading stalls, street vendors or other structures.
Access to a reliable supply of pressurized water is essential for controlling structural fires in congested commercial areas such as Makola. Obstructed or malfunctioning hydrants can delay firefighting operations and force crews to depend heavily on water tankers travelling between fire scenes and distant filling points.
The inspection is therefore expected to help address potential operational challenges before emergencies occur. It will also enable Ghana Water Limited to identify faults within the distribution network, including inadequate pressure and damaged hydrant connections.
The partnership strengthens technical coordination between the two institutions. Ghana Water Limited is responsible for managing water distribution systems and pressure levels, while the GNFS relies on the infrastructure to access water rapidly during firefighting operations.
By sharing information on hydrant locations, functionality and maintenance requirements, the agencies aim to reduce emergency response delays and improve fire preparedness within Accra’s major commercial centers.
The Makola assessment forms part of broader efforts by the GNFS to modernize fire prevention and safety enforcement across the country.
These initiatives include the nationwide implementation of the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System, a digital platform designed to support equipment tracking, electronic permits and real-time sensor integration.
The system is expected to strengthen compliance among businesses, improve the monitoring of commercial facilities and help reduce the frequency and impact of market fires.
Source: Omanghana
