By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The leadership of the Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU) has partnered 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 potters (kayayei), among others.
Early 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 losses to traders.
Speaking to Business & Financial Times (B&FT), KCMTU Public Relations Officer – Emmanuel Kwarteng, disclosed that the union has formally engaged the Ashanti Regional Police Command to implement security measures, particularly targeting arson-related incidents.
As part of these efforts, the police have been engaged to increase patrols within the market areas while traders have also been advised to close their shops and vacate the premises by 7:00 PM. These measures are intended to enable authorities to monitor and address suspicious activities effectively.
“The safety and security of our traders, customers and goods are of utmost importance to us. We believe that a secure market environment is essential for the growth and development of our businesses and the local economy.
“We also call on traders and other stakeholders in the market to be vigilant on the look-out for suspicious characters in the market as well as doing away with actions that have the potency of causing fire outbreaks, ” Mr. Kwarteng stated.
He further urged traders and stakeholders to remain vigilant, report suspicious characters, and avoid practices that could trigger fire outbreaks.
Additionally, 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.
In a press release, the KCMTU, which represents the majority of traders in the Kumasi City Market, further expressed its condolences and unwavering support to victims of recent fire outbreaks.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow traders and market stakeholders and deeply share their pain and loss. As traders, we prioritise safety in our market environment and are taking proactive steps to ensure that Kumasi City Market—the largest and busiest market in Ghana—is protected from unforeseen accidents or arson. We are committed to providing adequate security to safeguard traders, customers and goods,” the statement emphasised.
