Accra, Nov. 12, GNA – The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has presented a cheque for GH¢250,000 to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) towards the completion of a 3-storey forensic laboratory.
The laboratory, when completed will enable the Service to use scientific methods to determine the origin and clear causes of fire incidents for public safety.
Dr. Justice Ofori, Commissioner of Insurance, who made the presentation during a tour of the project, said the donation became necessary because GNFS needed an additional support to expedite the completion of the project after an initial donation of GHC300,000 from the Commission in July this year.
While the establishment of the forensic laboratory would assist the Fire Service in their fire investigative processes to establish the causes of fires in a reasonably short period, it would also help insurers to price fire risks prudently, Dr. Ofori indicated.
Fire insurance claims take relatively long time to administer because Fire Officers need to be able to tell the right causes of fire outbreaks.
The Commissioner of Insurance said the facility would strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the NIC, the insurance industry and GNFS.
He commended players in the insurance industry for contributing towards the project.
Mr Julius Kuunor, the Acting Chief Fire Officer (CFO), who received the cheque, expressed gratitude to the Commission for its consistent and relentless support.
The presentation of the cheque for GH¢250,000 brings to a total, GH¢1,050,000 presented by the NIC to GNFS for the construction of the laboratory.