Apaak calls for comprehensive fire prevention strategy in SHSs
Deputy Education Minister urges collaboration with Fire Service to curb dormitory fires
- Dr Clement Apaak raises concern over recurring SHS dormitory fires in the Northern Region.
- Calls for a preventive fire safety framework involving the Ghana National Fire Service.
- School authorities urged to strengthen vigilance and campus security.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has expressed concern over the recent spate of fire outbreaks that have destroyed girls’ dormitories in several Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Northern Region.
Dr Apaak made the call during visits to Pong Tamale SHS and Tolon SHS, following recent fire incidents at the two institutions. He stressed the need for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ghana National Fire Service, through the Ministry of the Interior, to develop a comprehensive fire prevention framework for schools.
According to him, authorities must fully investigate the causes of the fires, including whether they result from the use of unapproved electrical appliances by students or deliberate acts of arson.
“This is becoming one too many, and this is only in the Northern Region,” he said. “It may be time for the Ministry of Education to engage the Ministry of the Interior to work with the Ghana National Fire Service to develop a strategy that focuses on prevention rather than reactive measures.”
The Deputy Minister also urged SHS administrators to strengthen security and remain vigilant over access to school premises, warning that some individuals entering campuses may have malicious intentions.
“Vigilance is critical. We must pay close attention to those who come onto our campuses. Not everyone may mean well. If there are individuals engaging in arson, we must be able to identify and apprehend them,” he added.
