The Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA) has launched its 30th anniversary celebrations in Bolgatanga with a health walk and public sensitization exercise. Members of the association in the Upper East Region gathered at the regional fire service office on Thursday, August 21, 2025, before walking through the principal streets—including the central commercial street—and returning to the office to conclude the event.
The walk, which began around 8:30 a.m., was held to commemorate three decades of FISLA’s existence and coincided with a historic milestone for the Ghana National Fire Service, which is currently led for the first time by a female Chief Fire Officer. The association is also using the occasion to highlight and celebrate the contributions of women within the Service.
Speaking to the media after the event, the Upper East Regional Vice President of FISLA, ADO II Janet Sylvia Alogre, emphasized the association’s core mandate of unity and mutual empowerment. She explained that FISLA exists to support its members to rise to the standards of their male counterparts through education, professional development, and solidarity in times of distress.
“One thing about the Fire Ladies Association that makes it unique is that our core mandate is unity—empowering each other to rub shoulders with the men. That is what makes us stand out. Beyond that, we have many benefits for one another,” she said.
ADO II Alogre highlighted the diverse roles female personnel occupy across the Service, including operations, administration, accounts, and stores, noting that the Stores Unit in the region is currently headed by a woman. She added that in some regions, women firefighters also drive pickups and even fire tenders, stressing that women excel when given opportunities.
As part of the sensitization, she shared fire safety tips for households, particularly on the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). She urged the public to learn proper gas handling, always switch off the cylinder before turning off the stove, replace worn-out valves, and regularly test hoses with soapy water to detect leaks.
“I will advise the public to keep safe and ensure you learn how to operate your gas properly. If you buy gas, let an expert teach you how to use it. Don’t just take it home because everyone else is using it,” she cautioned.
She further advised families to keep matches away from children, clear combustible clutter—such as unused papers during the school holidays—and remain vigilant amid a rise in gaseous fire incidents. She reminded the public that investments in safety are far less costly than the loss of life or property.
ADO II Alogre also encouraged schools, event organizers, and members of the public to invite the Service to provide free fire safety education.
“If we are not able to reach you, please come to our office and invite us. Especially schools and event organizers—we will come. It is free of charge,” she said.
Looking ahead, FISLA has outlined a series of activities through November, including expanded public education campaigns, clean-up exercises, and inter-district games to promote camaraderie and wellbeing. With limited funds for some of its projects, the association plans to engage stakeholders for support.
The regional branch also appealed for more women—particularly those with driving skills—to consider careers in the Ghana National Fire Service, noting that the Upper East Region urgently needs additional female personnel to strengthen its ranks.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
