GBC News’ Security Service Correspondent, Juliet Mettle-Edmonds, has been named among top professionals recognized for championing safety awareness in Ghana.
She received the Excellence in Safety Journalism award at the maiden National Safety Awards held in Accra. The forecourt of the Ghana National Fire Service Headquarters in Accra was the venue for the maiden National Safety Awards, which celebrated individuals and organizations committed to promoting safety across Ghana.
Over twenty professionals, corporate entities and safety ambassadors were honoured for exceptional service in ensuring safety in homes, offices and communities. Miss Samira Larbi of the Ghana News Agency, Odi Ahenkan Kwame Yeboah of Peace FM, and Miss Juliet Mettle-Edmonds of GBC News, received the Excellence in Safety Journalism award for their impactful reporting and dedication to raising public awareness on safety issues.
Former fire officers, safety directors, and industry leaders were also recognized for innovative safety initiatives and years of dedicated service.
Her citation captioned: Citation for Excellence in Safety Journalism. ‘For your dedication to promoting safety through credible reporting, your voice has strengthened national safety awareness efforts. We salute your commitment to informing and protecting the public.
After receiving her award, Miss Juliet Mettle-Edmonds expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to responsible journalism that prioritizes public safety.
The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, was honoured for his support in advancing safety initiatives nationwide. He commended the rising confidence in the Fire Service and increasing public awareness of fire prevention.
The Minister called on all stakeholders, the public, private, civil society, media, and citizens to join the Ghana National Fire Service in making safety a national ethos. ‘Let us empower our youth to see safety as strength, and let us invest in technologies, training, and systems that will protect our development gains’.
‘To all the distinguished award recipients, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your excellence is not just being acknowledged. It is being elevated as a beacon for others to follow. Let this honour serve as a spark that ignites even greater acts of vigilance, professionalism, and courage across every corner of our beloved nation. You have set the bar higher, and in doing so, you have reminded us all of the power of dedication to duty’.
Let me take a moment to extend deep appreciation to TD-TIMAWT, the key strategic partner behind this remarkable initiative, for their visionary collaboration and leadership in working with the Ghana National Fire Service to bring this impactful event to life. Your dedication to advancing public safety is both commendable and inspiring, and today’s success is a direct reflection of your commitment to national development.
‘To the Ghana National Fire Service, let me say this clearly: your dedication, resilience, and relentless innovation do not go unnoticed. You are not merely first responders, you are the first line of defense for the Republic, the guardians who stand between peril and protection. Your service saves lives, safeguards communities, and stabilizes the very heartbeat of our national development’.
The project Lead, Mr. Joseph Narnor, emphasized that the awards were not merely trophies but a license to lead. He announced that the award winners would be showcased globally over the next year to highlight Ghana’s safety excellence.
The Acting Chief Fire Officer, DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, outlined some recent achievements of the Service and pledged continued efforts to improve safety across the country.
‘The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is more than just people who put out fires. We are safety officers, teachers, rescuers, investigators, and partners in building a safer country. But we cannot do it alone. We seek your assistance in reinforcing the government’s sustained commitment to this cause. We are asking corporate Ghana, individuals, and organizations to support us, not just with words, but with actions. Help us build the capacity of our workforce to serve you better, get better equipment, and logistics to reach more communities with the gospel of safety.
‘We are also excited to share that, together with the Ghana Education Service and Ulster University, we are working on a fire safety syllabus for basic schools. This means children will learn fire safety in school, grow up understanding the importance of being safe, and become ambassadors for safety in their homes and communities. I want to thank the hardworking team putting this document together. Indeed, you are helping shape a safer future for Ghana.
‘We are giving awards to some special people and institutions who have shown great commitment to safety. We thank and honour them. Please keep your award with pride and keep up the good work.
Let us all remember to teach our children how to be safe. Let us take care in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Let us make safety a habit for everyone’.
The event, themed “Recognizing Excellence, inspiring a Culture of Safety,” was organized through a partnership between TD-TIMAWT and the Ghana National Fire Service and left the award winners inspired to uphold the highest safety standards in their communities.
