The outbreak of fire in some of the country’s designated markets is a concern to not only the authorities but also every decent Ghanaian. The scale of material and physical loss is not only tremendous but frightening, given that the economy is wobbly and it takes a lot of effort to make ends meet.
It is in this light that this Paper would like to commend the Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU) leadership, which has partnered with the Ghana Police Service to safeguard markets in Kumasi against destructive fire outbreaks.
This initiative underscores the commitment of KCMTU to creating a secure and resilient trading environment for its members and other individuals who work in the markets, such as head porters (kayayei), among others.
It will be recalled that earlier this year devastating fires ravaged the country’s largest used-clothing hub, Kantamanto Market in Accra – and the wood market at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, causing significant financial loss to traders.
KCMTU Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Kwarteng, speaking to our regional correspondent, stated that the union has formally engaged Ashanti Regional Police Command to implement security measures, particularly targetting arson-related incidents.
As part of these efforts, the police have been increasing patrols within market areas, while traders have also been advised to close their shops and vacate the premises by 7:00pm. These measures are aimed at enabling authorities to monitor and address suspicious activities effectively.
“The safety and security of our traders, customers and goods are of utmost importance to us,” Kwarteng indicated.
Also, Mr. Kwarteng called on the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to intensify fire-safety education for traders to promote behavioural change and reduce the risk of fires.
KCMTU, which represents the majority of traders in Kumasi City Market, further expressed its condolences and unwavering support to victims of recent fire outbreaks.
Kumasi City Market is the largest and busiest market in Ghana and it is highly commendable that KCMTU is not just waiting on chance but actively taking steps to forestall any outbreak of fire which would prove disastrous.
We doff off our hats to them!
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has expressed concern over the ongoing reconstruction of Kantamanto Market by traders, citing a lack of consultation and the absence of proper fire safety measures.
Consequently, GNFS has advised that the reconstruction process be paused to allow for proper planning and the incorporation of fire-resistant materials and safety systems. For instance, the use of wood in the rebuilding process is concerning since it is highly flammable.
