The Obuasi Gold Buyers Association has stepped up to support the fundraising efforts for the repair of the Obuasi fire tender by donating GHC20,000. This contribution brings the total amount raised so far to GHC51,000, edging closer to the GHC100,000 required to secure a new engine for the fire service vehicle.
Stephen Tuabu, CEO of Tuabu Jewelry, and Abubakari Adama, the Organiser for the association, made the donation live on Aseda FM’s Ghana Nti Morning Show, hosted by Obarima Kwadwo Gyamfi. Speaking on the show, the representatives of the association emphasized the importance of a functioning fire tender in Obuasi, especially in the wake of recent devastating fires in the area.
“Our business has been slow lately, but we couldn’t sit back and watch while Obuasi remains without a working fire tender,” they stated. Their donation follows a growing concern among residents over the delay in restoring fire service operations in the town.
Bekwai MP’s Leadership vs. Obuasi’s Slow ResponseThe situation in Obuasi has drawn sharp comparisons with Bekwai, where Hon. Ralph Poku-Adusei, the Member of Parliament, took it upon himself to personally fund the repair of the Bekwai fire tender by donating GHC60,000 from his own pocket. This act of decisive leadership ensured that the Bekwai Fire Station was quickly operational again.
In contrast, despite having two Members of Parliament—one for Obuasi East and another for Obuasi West—Obuasi has yet to receive similar direct intervention from its elected representatives. Instead, the responsibility of raising funds has fallen on the shoulders of media houses, concerned citizens, and organizations like the Adansi Media Coalition for Development, which initiated the fundraising campaign.
Recent Fire Outbreaks in Obuasi Highlight UrgencyThe need for an operational fire tender in Obuasi has never been more pressing. On February 2nd, an eight-bedroom house in the Bogobiri area was completely destroyed by fire due to delays in response caused by the lack of a working fire engine. Another seven-bedroom house also caught fire recently, with one room completely burnt before firefighters could contain the situation.
These incidents form part of a worrying trend of fire outbreaks in Ghana this year. The devastating fire at Accra’s Kantamanto Market on January 2nd destroyed thousands of stalls and goods worth millions of cedis, displacing thousands of traders. Similarly, a major fire at the Fineprint Warehouse in Tema’s Industrial Area on February 10th was only successfully contained due to the swift intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service.
Call for More SupportWith GHC51,000 now raised, there remains a shortfall of GHC49,000 to fully restore the Obuasi fire tender. The Adansi Media Coalition for Development and other concerned groups continue to call on individuals, businesses, and the Members of Parliament for Obuasi East and West to contribute towards the cause.
Donations can be made at any of the radio stations in Obuasi or via Mobile Money (MoMo) to 0541442128 (Robert Anokye Gyamfi).
As the fundraising efforts continue, the question remains: Will the MPs for Obuasi step up like their counterpart in Bekwai, or will the burden remain on the shoulders of private individuals and associations?