Bono-Ahafo Records 103 Deaths In Road Transport Accidents

The Bono-Ahafo Region recorded 103 deaths from 143 Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) between January and October this year. A total of 182 people also sustained varying degrees of injury in the accidents.  

This was revealed to Radio Ghana in Sunyani during an interview with an Official of the Ghana National Fire Service in Brong Ahafo, Assistant Operations Officer, Adoi Ignatius N. Noekor.

According to statistics released by the Brong Ahafo Operations Officer, vehicular fire is on the rise in the region due to the increased use of gas in vehicles originally designed to use diesel or petrol.  

He said, drivers and car owners get their vehicles converted to use gas and cautioned that this could be dangerous. 

Mr. Noekor also frowned on the fuelling of commercial vehicles with passengers on board, saying it is very dangerous.  

He consequently advised that commercial vehicles should be fuelled before passengers get on board. Turning to Bush and Domestic fires in the region, Mr. Ignatius Noekor said, the region recorded 388 bush fire outbreaks while 454 cases were recorded for Domestic fire.  

These he said resulted in four deaths and 14 injuries. Ignatius Noekor said, around this harmattan period, the moisture content of combustible materials dries up making them prone to fire. 

He continued that this coupled with the festive season, during which people will do more cooking using gas and electricity calls for strict adherence to all fire safety regulations.  
He urged people to among others light the match before opening the gas switch to be safe. 
 
He also added that when switching it off, it should be done also with the regulator of the cylinder and not just the knobs. 
Mr. Noekor further entreated the public especially parents not to let their children handle matches but rather keep it away from them. 

Ignatius Noekor said they have educational teams going round educating people at their homes and urged the public to cooperate when they come calling. 

Ignatius Noekor entreated the public to switch off lights and other electronic appliances when not in use and when leaving home.  

This he said will ensure that they enjoy this Christmas season free from the threat of fire.

GBC