A two-week coproduc­tion workshop to develop a fire safety curriculum for basic schools nationwide has begun in Accra.The initiative is aimed at embed­ding structured fire safety edu­cation into Ghana's basic school curriculum.It is being organised by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and Ulster University of the United Kingdom.Opening the Fire Safety Ed­ucation Programme workshop last Wednesday, the Acting Chief Fire Officer, GNFS, Mrs Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong, said the workshop was an opportunity to shape the future of fire safety education in the country.He added that the initiative was timely as it sought to respond to the growing need for early fire safety awareness."This initiative marks a ground­breaking collaboration, acknowl­edging the presence of both local stakeholders and international part­ners. "We are empowering the next generation to protect themselves, their families, and their communi­ties through education," she noted.To be delivered to pupils in lower and upper primary, she said the initiative was in line with the government's vision and com­mitment to retooling the GNFS and empowering it to carry out its mandate.Mrs Ntow-Sarpong emphasised that the government's commitment to creating a safer nation continues to inspire initiatives aimed at mak­ing fire safety a collective responsi­bility among all citizens.She highlighted that the integra­tion of structured fire safety edu­cation into the school curriculum was a crucial step toward equip­ping the younger generation with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard the country.This, she urged all participants, local and international to let their voices be heard and bring their expertise onboard, share insights, participate actively as they collec­tively craft a curriculum that was practical, inclusive, and impactful."The two-week-long workshop brings together experts, educators, fire service professionals, and academic partners from Ghana and beyond to co-develop a fire safety curriculum tailored for Ghanaian schools, the goal is to create con­tent that is practical, inclusive, and impactful, ensuring it resonates meaningfully with both pupils and teachers," she underlined.A lecturer in Human Behaviour in Fire, Ulster University, Dr Nigel McConnel, expressed confidence in GNFS' leadership and reaffirm­ing their commitment to ongoing educational collaborations in Ghana.He emphasised the pro­gramme's potential to significantly enhance fire safety awareness among pupils and within commu­nities."This will equip Ghanaian pupils with essential knowledge and life-saving skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies," he added.Dr McConnel said the pro­gramme started three years ago and presented opportunity to shape the future of fire safety education in Ghana to develop a fire-conscious generation."We are proud to be working with one of the few countries that has developed an evidence-based fire safety education programme for children," he underscored. BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA