Accra, Aug. 18, GNA- Mr. Godwin Damale, Divisional Officer Grade II of the Ghana National Fire Service, said failure to observe appropriate safety rules and procedures in case of fire outbreaks was a major cause of fatality during such disasters.

He said "With effective management, the possibility of firebreaks can be reduced and successful evacuation also achieved." Mr Damale was speaking at the inauguration of the fire cadet of the Riis Memorial School in Accra, during its 10th Speech and Prize Giving Day.

He reminded public business operators that it was mandatory for them to obtain fire certificates before operating and cautioned that defaulters would be made to face the law. Mr Damale advised Ghanaians to be careful in using flammable liquids in setting up fires, especially for domestic use, and said particular attention should be given to disabled persons during fire outbreaks.

Mr. Ofei Ofosu-Apea, Director of Riis Memorial, said the school established 22 years ago, now had a student population of 700. He said management of the school was committed to providing excellent education at affordable cost, adding, "and we are not living any stone unturned in our quest to deliver excellence." Mr. Ofosu-Apea said the school had a well-stocked library, a website and a first class computer laboratory to facilitate teaching and learning.

He said students of the school had excelled academically over the years in the Basic Education Certificate of Examinations, with sterling performances at the senior secondary level. Mr. Ofosu-Apea commended the founding fathers of the school for their sacrifices, which had placed the educational institution among the top 100 basic schools in the country.

Master Amos Addy, outgoing Senior Prefect of the school, cautioned parent, students and teachers against examination malpractices.

He urged students to be disciplined and learn hard to enable them pass their examinations to justify the investment being made in their education by their parents and government. Master Addy commended management and staff of the school for their dedication, which had led to the high academic standard of the school.