Divisional Officer (DOII) Richard Sagoe, Brong-Ahafo Regional Safety Officer of the GNFS, gave the advice when speaking at a national anti counterfeit electrical products exposure workshop at Abesim, near Sunyani.

Under the theme "Avoid Patronage of Counterfeit Electrical Products", the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA consult), an NGO in collaboration with the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) is organising the three-day workshop.

It is being attended by regulators, law enforces, users and dealers in electrical products as well as the media.  DOII Sagoe observed that counterfeit electrical products remain contributory cause of domestic fire outbreaks in the county.

This, he explained was the reason the general public should take advantage of their presence and engage the Service's Safety Department.  He urged households to obtain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to help them detect and suppress fires.

Mr Francis Mensah Akpaloo, Scientific Officer and Technical Supervisor at the GSA said counterfeit electrical products were always cheaper and advised the public to endeavour and buy quality products.

Mr Francis Ameyibor, the Executive Director of CDA consult, said his outfit was determined to ensure that the general public are able to easily identify and avoid buying counterfeit electrical products.