The Ghana Burns Survivors Foundation has called on the government to officially recognise June 3 as National Burns Awareness Day, saying the date should serve not only as a day of remembrance but also as an annual platform for prevention, education and survivor support.
The Foundation said the date, which marks one of the country’s most devastating fire disasters, offers an opportunity to focus national attention on the scale and consequences of burn injuries in Ghana.
Burn incidents, the group noted, continue to affect thousands of Ghanaians each year and leave many survivors with long‑term physical, emotional and economic challenges.
“Turning 3rd June into National Burns Awareness Day will transform remembrance into action. It will help save lives, improve support systems for survivors, and strengthen public awareness on burn prevention across Ghana,” said Yaw Ofori‑Debra, Executive Director of the Ghana Burns Survivors Foundation.
The foundation highlighted that children, women, workers and other vulnerable groups remain particularly at risk.
Common causes listed include domestic fires, gas explosions, electrical faults, industrial accidents, road crashes and unsafe handling or storage of flammable substances.
According to the Foundation, institutionalising the date would bolster efforts to:
• increase public education on fire and burn prevention;
• promote safer practices in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces;
• encourage early response and proper burn care; and
• strengthen national policies on prevention and survivor support.
As part of its appeal, the organisation urged Ghanaians to take everyday precautions to reduce the risk of fire and burn injuries.
Recommended measures included regular checks of gas cylinders and electrical connections, safe storage of fuels and flammable materials, refraining from illegal electrical connections, keeping flammables out of children’s reach, and learning basic first‑aid for burns.
The Foundation also called on government institutions, policymakers, health professionals, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, development partners and the media to back the proposal and help mobilise communities.
Nana Yaa Opon Marfo, Vice‑President of the foundation, said declaring a national day would help channel resources and attention to survivors who face long recovery periods and social exclusion.
“This is about turning memory into practical steps that protect lives and support those who survive,” she said.
The Ghana Burns Survivors Foundation said it will continue to advocate for stronger prevention measures and improved services for survivors.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
