The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIWAK Natural Health, Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has appealed to market traders and the general public to intensify fire prevention measures amid growing concerns over recurring fire outbreaks in markets and other communities across Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
He said the spate of fire incidents recorded in parts of the metropolis should serve as a wake-up call for traders, market leaders, local authorities and residents to take fire safety seriously, particularly as the country approaches the harmattan season.
Dr Mortoti expressed concern about the reported fire outbreaks at Moro Market, Kumasi Central Market, Sokoban Market and Atasomanso, noting that such incidents could have devastating consequences for traders, their families and the local economy.
Speaking to The Punch Newspaper, the PIWAK Natural Health CEO stressed the need for a collective effort to prevent avoidable fires and protect lives, livelihoods and valuable property.
He observed that market fires often destroy goods, shops, equipment and other investments painstakingly accumulated by traders over several years, leaving many victims struggling to rebuild their businesses.
According to him, the recurrence of such incidents makes it imperative for all stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures rather than wait for disasters to occur before taking action.
HARMATTAN WARNING.
Dr Mortoti cautioned that the approaching harmattan season should compel traders and the general public to exercise greater vigilance, given the potential for dry and windy conditions to facilitate the spread of fire.
He called on traders to ensure that electrical installations in their shops are safe, avoid overloading electrical sockets and switch off unnecessary electrical appliances when closing their businesses.
He also urged market authorities to ensure that fire extinguishers and other essential firefighting equipment are available and functional, while keeping access routes clear to enable firefighters to respond promptly whenever an emergency occurs.
He further advised traders to avoid the careless handling of naked flames, gas cylinders and other potentially dangerous materials within market premises.
Dr Mortoti emphasised that fire prevention should not be treated as the responsibility of the Ghana National Fire Service alone, insisting that traders, property owners, market associations and local authorities all have important roles to play.
He urged market leaders to intensify education among their members and organise regular fire safety awareness programmes to equip traders with the knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES.
The PIWAK Natural Health CEO warned that the destruction caused by market fires extends beyond the immediate loss of property, explaining that such disasters could undermine livelihoods, disrupt commercial activities and place additional pressure on public resources.
He noted that when traders lose their goods and business premises to fire, many are left without the capital needed to restart their operations, with some forced to depend on family members, financial institutions or government assistance to recover.
Dr Mortoti expressed concern that public funds which could otherwise be channelled into critical national development projects might have to be redirected towards supporting victims of preventable disasters.
He said such a situation would place an unnecessary burden on the country, particularly at a time when Ghana needs to mobilise resources for infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential development priorities.
The CEO maintained that preventing market fires would not only protect the investments of individual traders but also help safeguard the national economy against avoidable losses.
He therefore called for a proactive approach that places greater emphasis on public education, regular inspections and strict adherence to fire safety regulations.
CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY.
Dr Mortoti appealed to traders not to wait until a fire outbreak destroys their businesses before taking the necessary precautions.
He encouraged market associations to work closely with the Ghana National Fire Service, metropolitan and municipal assemblies, and other relevant agencies to identify potential fire hazards and address them promptly.
He also urged residents to report dangerous electrical connections, exposed wires, unsafe storage of combustible materials and other conditions that could trigger fires.
According to him, a strong safety culture, supported by cooperation between traders and the relevant authorities, could significantly reduce the risk of fire outbreaks and their devastating consequences.
Dr Mortoti reiterated that protecting markets from fire disasters requires constant vigilance and a shared commitment to safety.
He appealed to all stakeholders to act decisively as the harmattan season approaches, stressing that the protection of lives, property and businesses must remain a priority.
He said a collective commitment to fire prevention would help traders preserve their investments, protect their families and contribute to Ghana’s broader economic development.
