The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has said it will deploy a task force to address traders and individuals who have obstructed fire hydrants with their activities in the Kumasi Metropolis and other parts of the region.

The task force, according to REGSEC, will ensure the hydrants are well protected for effective firefighting in the region.

Head of REGSEC, Simon Osei-Mensah, revealed in an exclusive interview with OTEC News reporter Jacob Agyenim Boateng that although they have already embarked on massive education on the need to provide enough space for the hydrants, most traders continue to encroach upon the fire hydrants.

This, according to the minister, has made firefighting and rescue missions very difficult for the service.

The Minister further revealed that some of the hydrants are obsolete, adding that they are working closely with the Ghana Water Company Limited to repair them while simultaneously providing new ones.

He explained that the hydrants, which are placed at strategic locations within the Central Business District (CBD), are there to aid the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in its firefighting and rescue missions.

"They serve as an essential part of the firefighting process, as they allow firefighters access to a steady flow of water during operations," he said.

About fire hydrants:

Hydrants are devices for extracting water from pipelines and water distribution systems. They are connection points where firefighters can tap into a water supply quickly in the event of a fire outbreak.

Hydrants are a critical component of any emergency response system, used to preserve lives and property in the event of fire outbreaks.

There are two types of fire hydrants which are the underground and above-ground pillar-type hydrants.