LAGOS: A Tema-based computer firm, Socio Computers Limited, has presented 170 pieces of early warning computers to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Accra. These computers worth GH¢1,530,000 is expected to help to improve the response time to fire outbreaks in the country. The devices were presented by the Chief Executive Officer of Socio Computers Limited, Dr Kenneth Afari. It was designed by a Ghanaian and manufactured in three different countries. It is hoped that it would transform the image of the Fire Service and boost technology in the country. Afari said the Fire Service, since its inception, had depended on human beings to report fire, which is sometimes delayed, resulting in late arrivals and much destruction to property. He said the device would serve as an early warning gadget by detecting fire outbreaks. According to the CEO, “The advantage of the computers is that even when people are out of their homes, it would send signals to the control rooms of the service in the districts or regions, and this would help minimize destructions by the fire.” He said the equipment is fixed in the control rooms of all regional and district offices of the service and would display the geo-location of the fire and also show pictures of the fire in the recipients' home or office building, whether there are people in it or not. Afari urged Ghanaians to hook onto the system by patronizing the detectors and called on them to take safety seriously.
