Socio Computers Limited, a Tema-based computer firm on Wednesday presented 170 pieces of early warning computers worth GH¢1,530,000 to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Accra.

The computers would help to improve the response time to fire outbreaks in the country.

The early warning computer, which was designed by a Ghanaian and manufactured in three different countries, would transform the image of the GNFS and bring technology to their doorsteps.

Dr Kenneth Afari, Chief Executive Officer of Socio Computers Limited, who presented the devices said, it would serve as an early warning gadget, by detecting fire outbreaks and sending signals to the service, even when there is no one at home.

He said the Fire Service, since its inception, had depended on human beings to report fire, which is sometimes delayed, resulting in late arrivals and much destruction to property.

“The advantage of the computers is that even when people are out of their homes, it would send signals to the control rooms of the service in the districts or regions, and this would help minimise destructions by the fire.”

He said the equipment is fixed in the control rooms of all regional and district offices of the service and would display the geo-location of the fire and also show pictures of the fire in the recipients' home or office building, whether there are people in it or not.

Mr Afari urged Ghanaians to hook onto the system by patronising the detectors, which would transmit the early stages of fire outbreaks in their homes and offices to their mobile phones, and the district offices of the GNFS for quick response; and called on them to take safety seriously.

Brigadier General John B. E. Guyini, Acting Chief Fire Officer, who received the items said, the devices had come at an appropriate time since fire outbreaks had become rampant in recent times.

He expressed appreciation to the company for the gesture saying the device would improve the response of the service to fire outbreaks.

Brig-Gen. Guyini however noted that, the equipment would be useless unless all stakeholders including, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA’s), industries, hotels, and individuals get hooked onto the service.

He urged the Safety Department of the Service to intensify its education on the need for the device, and appealed to the control team to ensure that it is properly used to serve the nation.**