Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Vanderpuije on Wednesday expressed regret at the recent spate of fire incidents that have hit the national capital. Commenting on the fire that engulfed the 10-storeyed block of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday evening, Mr Vanderpuije stressed the need to properly equip the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to prevent the destruction of more national assets.

He said he witnessed last week's fire outbreak at the Accra Metropolitan Education Office and that it was unfortunate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to suffer the same fate.

"It is unfortunate that we have a situation like this. We can't afford to lose such an important national asset," he noted, pointing to the inferno. "The question is 'what building next?'' He asked, and stressed the need to prioritize and do something about such fire outbreaks.

He expressed regret that the National Fire Service was not properly equipped to take control of such situations, and stressed the need to seriously equip the GNFS as a matter of priority.

"We can't lose our national assets through such uncontrollable situations. It is unfortunate," Mr Vanderpuije said.

This, he said, called for immediate and urgent decisions because fire when it broke out became uncontrollable. Mr Vanderpuije, in answer to a question, stated that the issue was not an AMA responsibility but a national one that needed to be tackled with all seriousness. "He was, however, satisfied that there was no loss of life as the incident occurred when most of the workers had left for home. 'What would have happened if this incident had happened during worki= ng hours?'' He queried.