We Can’t Wait Anymore’ – Asuofua Queenmother and Assemblyman Demand Fire Station After Latest Blaze

The Queenmother of the Asuofua Traditional Area in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Ahenkan Barnie, has issued an urgent appeal to the government, philanthropists, and citizens of Asuofua abroad to support the construction of a fire station in the community. Her plea follows a recent devastating fire outbreak that destroyed a four-bedroom house in the town.

According to the Queenmother, the community continues to suffer huge losses due to the absence of a nearby fire station, with emergency response teams forced to travel long distances from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) or Manhyia to respond to fires in Asuofua.

In an interview with Silver FM’s Akwadaa Nyame, Nana Ahenkan Barnie lamented that fires—especially domestic ones—have become an annual problem in the area, leaving many families in distress. She explained that despite efforts to call for help during such emergencies, response times remain slow due to the distance and traffic congestion from existing stations.

“We can’t wait anymore. Too many lives and properties have been lost. The people of Asuofua deserve better,” she stated firmly. “The traditional council has already released land for the fire station project. We are now appealing to the government, individuals, NGOs, and especially citizens of Asuofua living abroad to come and support this initiative.”

She also expressed appreciation to the government for ongoing development in the area, particularly the rehabilitation of the Abrepo to Asuofua-Barekese road, which she said is easing transportation challenges for residents. Nonetheless, she stressed that without an emergency response facility like a fire station, the community’s safety remains at serious risk.

Backing the Queenmother’s call, the Assemblyman for the Asuofua-Asamang Electoral Area, Hon. Michael Osei Kwaku, also made a passionate appeal to the Ashanti Regional Fire Command to prioritize the establishment of a fire post in Asuofua.

Hon. Osei Kwaku noted that Asuofua is not only a major community within the district but also serves as a central point for surrounding villages. Yet, it lacks basic fire safety infrastructure. He explained that the long distance to the nearest fire stations severely delays emergency response and worsens the consequences of fire outbreaks.

“We have suffered enough,” he said. “Our people lose their livelihoods in minutes because fire personnel arrive too late. Establishing a fire station here is not just a need—it’s an emergency.”

The assemblyman added that with a fire station in place, the local assembly would be in a better position to train and equip volunteer firefighting squads to support the official fire service in tackling emergencies quickly and effectively.

He also cautioned residents to be vigilant in their use of electrical appliances and gas cylinders, warning that negligence remains a leading cause of domestic fires in the area.

The joint appeals from both traditional and local government leaders have sparked widespread discussion among residents, with many calling on corporate bodies, civil society groups, and political leaders to help address the community’s urgent need.

For more information or to support the fire station project, the Queenmother of Asuofua, Nana Ahenkan Barnie, can be contacted at 0243361726, and the Assemblyman, Hon. Michael Osei Kwaku, at 0244591621.