On 7 September 2026, a significant step was taken to ensure the safety and preparedness of FAWE Ghana’s workplace. FAWE Ghana staff participated in a Fire Safety Training organised with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Abelemkpe Fire Service Station, facilitated by SNOII Francis K. Anku, Fire Safety Officer. The training represented a powerful affirmation of the organisation’s recognition that creating a safe working environment was a shared responsibility, and that preparedness was not merely a procedural requirement but a moral imperative.
The training equipped staff with practical knowledge on a comprehensive range of fire safety topics. Participants learned about fire prevention, identifying fire hazards and emergency response. They explored safe evacuation procedures, fire classifications and the appropriate use of fire extinguishers. Each of these topics was essential to ensuring that staff were prepared to respond effectively in the event of a fire emergency, and that they understood the steps they could take to prevent fires from occurring in the first place.
The session was far more than a theoretical exercise. Staff also participated in a practical demonstration of the PASS principle — Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep — to strengthen their confidence in responding appropriately to small fire emergencies. This hands-on experience was invaluable, as it allowed participants to translate their knowledge into action and to develop the muscle memory that would serve them well in a real emergency.
The facilitation by SNOII Francis K. Anku of the Abelemkpe Fire Service Station brought a wealth of expertise and experience to the training. His guidance ensured that the content was not only accurate and up-to-date but also relevant and practical. His presence also underscored the importance of partnership between organisations and emergency services in promoting safety and preparedness.
The training reinforced an important message: fire safety was everyone’s responsibility. It was not the sole concern of a designated safety officer or a facilities management team. It was a collective responsibility that required the active engagement and vigilance of every staff member. Through continuous awareness, vigilance and preparedness, the FAWE Ghana team could help protect lives, livelihoods and their workplace.
The session also provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on their own practices and to identify areas for improvement. Through discussions and exercises, they explored how they could integrate fire safety considerations into their daily work and how they could contribute to a culture of safety within the organisation. This reflective approach ensured that the training was not merely a one-time event but the beginning of an ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness.
As the training concluded, the FAWE Ghana team emerged better informed, better prepared and more united in their commitment to creating a safe working environment. The session served as a reminder that safety was not a destination but a journey, and that continuous learning and vigilance were essential to ensuring that the workplace remained secure and protected. FAWE Ghana remained committed to investing in the safety and wellbeing of its staff, recognising that a safe workplace was the foundation upon which all other achievements were built.