The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has cautioned traders at the Kumasi Central Market against activities that could trigger fire outbreaks, urging them to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their shops and merchandise.
The warning follows a fire outbreak that affected traders at the Kumasi Central Market, near the Aboabo Station, raising fresh concerns about fire safety and the protection of lives and property in one of the Ashanti Region’s busiest commercial centres.
Addressing some of the affected traders, during an inspection with the minister for local government, chieftaincy and religious affairs,Hon Mahama Ayariga,the Kumasi mayor,Hon Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, Oforikrom MCE,Hon Anwel Sadat Ahmed and the security officers from Ghana National Fire Service, among others,the Regional Minister stressed the need for market operators to exercise greater caution in their daily activities, particularly those involving fire, electrical installations and other potentially dangerous substances.
He observed that practices such as cooking in unauthorised areas, illegal electrical wiring and the indiscriminate use of fire could expose traders to serious risks and contribute to the frequent occurrence of market fires.
According to him, preventing such incidents requires a collective effort by traders, market authorities and the relevant emergency response agencies.
He urged traders to be proactive and take personal responsibility for ensuring that their activities did not endanger neighbouring shops or the wider market community.
The minister further called on traders to serve as watchdogs by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities, electrical faults and other conditions that could lead to a fire outbreak.
He expressed the hope that a strengthened culture of vigilance and compliance with fire safety measures would help make market fires a thing of the past.
15 STORES AFFECTED
The fire outbreak affected 15 stores at the Kumasi Central Market near the Aboabo Station.
Although the incident disrupted the activities of the affected traders, the timely intervention of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service helped to bring the situation under control and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
Dr. Amoakohene commended the Ghana National Fire Service for its prompt response, acknowledging the important role played by firefighters in containing the fire and limiting further damage.
He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between market stakeholders and emergency response agencies to strengthen fire prevention and response mechanisms.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of commercial centres to fire outbreaks and the need for traders to prioritise safety in their daily operations.
CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
The Regional Minister’s caution underscores the importance of preventive action in addressing the recurring threat of fires in markets across the country.
Market fires often threaten traders’ livelihoods, destroy goods and disrupt commercial activities, making fire prevention a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
Traders have therefore been urged to avoid unsafe practices, ensure that electrical installations are properly handled and exercise extreme caution when using combustible materials.
They are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with appropriate emergency procedures and cooperate with fire safety officials whenever necessary.
The minister’s appeal is aimed at encouraging a more safety-conscious market environment in which traders remain alert to potential hazards and take immediate steps to address them.
He maintained that vigilance, responsible conduct and cooperation among traders would be critical to preventing future incidents and protecting investments at the market.
The latest fire outbreak has renewed calls for traders and market authorities to intensify efforts to identify and address fire hazards before they escalate into emergencies.
