Interior Minister Proposes New Tax To Support Fire Service: “All Of Us Need To Make A Contribution”
- Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has proposed a new tax on fuel to fund part of the fire service's work
- Mubarak suggested that the tax on fuel could be up to 10 pesewas per litre of fuel bought
- The minister was speaking during a visit to the scene of the fire in Adum in Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has proposed a new tax on fuel purchases to support the Ghana National Fire Service.
This proposal comes in the wake of some documented struggles of the fire service during the Adum fire in Kumasi.
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"All of us need to make a contribution… let’s dedicate just 10 pesewas per litre, just for fire."
What it means is that we will have a dedicated fund to support fire, added the minister in an address to the press on March 26.
Muntaka has made similar concerns about the fire service in the past. During his vetting, he for example noted that the service has not procured a single fire tender in nearly a decade.
He warned that this neglect has left officers ill-equipped to respond effectively to fire emergencies.
Muntaka visited Adum-PZ, accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
In a statement, the minister said the visit was imperative not only for assessing the extent of destruction caused by the unfortunate incident but also for engaging with affected traders.
"The emotional toll on these individuals is profound; thus, it was crucial to provide reassurance from the government regarding its unwavering support during this challenging period."
Donations were made to persons affected by the fire through NADMO and the Ministry of Interior aimed at providing immediate relief.
The items distributed included 1,500 bags of rice, 800 boxes of cooking oil, and 1,000 boxes of soap.
Tensions after Adum fire
After firefighters had contained the March 21 fire near the Adum Central Market, Amoakohene visited the scene and expressed frustration upon seeing what he believed to be an empty fire tender parked at the site.
Though the fire service's handling of the fire has been praised, he questioned the firefighters on duty about the tender’s lack of water, raising concerns about the fire service’s preparedness.
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The minister's outburst drew attention to the challenges faced by the fire service in managing the situation.
The fire service also responded to the minister, calling his criticism unfair before apologising.
Mahama warns about fire hazards
YEN.com.gh reported that Mahama sent a word of caution to traders following the market fire at Adum in Kumasi.
Mahama singled out the use of gas cylinders at markets, warning against their use at markets.
In a statement, the president said these practices at markets were extremely dangerous. The fire service had made similar observations after previous market fires.
Mahama also noted that he has directed the chief of staff to collaborate with the Ashanti Regional Minister and National Disaster Management Organisation to assess losses and provide immediate relief.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
