The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) held a fire‑prevention seminar and inaugurated a student‑led Disaster‑Prevention Fan Club at Asanteman Senior High School.
The session, which took place in the school’s main auditorium, drew over 300 students, teachers, and local community members. NADMO officials began by outlining the common causes of fires in residential and school settings, emphasizing the importance of early detection and swift response. Using visual aids and a live demonstration of a portable fire extinguisher, participants learned how to assess a fire’s size, choose the appropriate extinguishing agent, and evacuate safely.
“Fire does not discriminate; it can start in any home or classroom,” said Mrs. Evelyn Mensah, Senior Disaster Officer at NADMO‑KMA. “Our aim is to equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly, reducing loss of life and property.”
Following the instructional segment, students were invited to join the newly formed Disaster‑Prevention Fan Club, a peer‑education initiative designed to spread safety awareness beyond the classroom. Club members will be trained in basic first‑aid, fire‑drill coordination, and community outreach, and will be expected to organize monthly awareness campaigns within the school and surrounding neighborhoods.
Speaking at the launch, the headmaster of Asanteman Senior High, Mr. Samuel Owusu, expressed his support for the programme. “We are grateful to NADMO‑KMA for this partnership. The skills our students acquire today will benefit their families and the wider community for years to come,” he said.
The event also featured a short skit performed by the school’s drama club, illustrating a realistic fire scenario and demonstrating the correct evacuation procedures. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions, and several teachers requested a follow‑up workshop focused on electrical safety.
NADMO‑KMA plans to extend similar fire‑prevention workshops to other schools in the Kumasi Metropolis over the coming months, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen disaster resilience across the region.
The Disaster‑Prevention Fan Club will be mentored by a team of NADMO officers and will report its activities to the school administration on a quarterly basis. The club’s first public engagement is scheduled for early November, when members will distribute fire‑safety leaflets at the local market.
