A devastating fire tore through a four-bedroom house in Ganta, Nimba County, resulting in the tragic death of a family of four.
Ruth Kofa Kamue, her recently returned husband from the United States, her daughter, and mother were unable to escape the raging inferno, which completely consumed their home.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for a functional fire service agency in Ganta.
Unfortunately, this tragedy is not the first of its kind in the city, where there seems to be a recurring lack of preparedness for such emergencies.
The City Mayor, Amos Suah, expressed deep sorrow over the devastating incident and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family.
He stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this extremely difficult time. We share in the grief and anguish caused by this tragic event.”
Local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, as shocked community members mourn the loss of the family.
The entire community is in shock, grappling with the stark reality of yet another preventable fire incident in the absence of a functional fire service agency.
Efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by the lack of proper firefighting equipment and trained personnel in the area.
Residents bemoaned the absence of a dedicated fire service agency that could have prevented the loss of precious lives and property.
“This tragic incident once again highlights the dire need for a fully operational fire service agency in Ganta. It is unacceptable that our community is left vulnerable to such devastating incidents due to the lack of resources and preparedness,” a resident lamented.
The absence of a functional fire department in Ganta has been a long-standing concern for residents.
Despite repeated calls for action, no progress has been made to address this critical issue up to date.
The devastating fire incident that claimed the lives of Ruth and her family serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the government to prioritize the establishment of a well-equipped and adequately staffed fire service agency in the city.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the community anxiously awaits a swift response from local authorities to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated in the future. By Roseline Tengbeh, FeJAL/USAID fellow.
