In a bold move to combat the rising threat of market fires, Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has inaugurated an 11-member Anti-Market Fire Committee tasked with safeguarding the region’s markets. The newly formed committee is charged with identifying potential fire hazards and developing actionable strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
The committee has been given a tight deadline of just ten days to assess market conditions, pinpoint fire risks, and propose effective recommendations to ensure the safety of market spaces across the region.
Leading the committee is the Western Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade Two (ACFOII) David Asa Darko, who brings his extensive fire safety expertise to the table. The committee includes a diverse range of stakeholders, including Regional Security Liaison Officer Brigadier General (Rtd.) Musah Whajah, Takoradi Market Queen Veronica Arthur, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) PRO John Laste, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Western Region Chairman Desmond Cudjoe, and several other key figures, including representatives from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly.
The focus of the committee will be on markets in Sekondi-Takoradi, with an emphasis on preventing fires and ensuring the safety of traders and the public.
At the inauguration ceremony, Minister Joseph Nelson urged the committee members to approach their task with urgency and dedication. He emphasized that the team was handpicked for their steadfast commitment to the region’s development and safety.
“Having learned from the tragic fires in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, I am determined to prevent similar disasters here. This committee’s work is vital to raising awareness and driving fire safety initiatives in our markets, where so many of our mothers and sisters work tirelessly to make a living,” Nelson said.
The Minister highlighted the far-reaching consequences of market fires, not just in financial terms but also emotionally, as they disrupt livelihoods and cause significant distress. “We are committed to protecting our markets and ensuring the well-being of the people who rely on them,” he added.
ACFOII David Asa Darko, chair of the committee, outlined some of the key challenges faced by firefighters when responding to market fires. He stressed the importance of preventing fires by educating traders and market women about fire safety. Darko proposed several measures, including a ban on cooking in markets and more stringent checks on illegal electricity connections, which have been a major cause of fires, particularly during rainfall.
“Another critical issue is the lack of clear walkways in markets. These obstructions make it difficult for emergency services to reach the heart of a fire quickly. We must create designated paths to ensure faster access in the event of an emergency,” he said.
ACFOII Darko also promised that the committee would engage directly with market women, educating them about fire prevention and safety protocols. The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the regional government’s fire safety policies.
As the committee works toward its goal, their efforts could be the key to protecting markets and ensuring that businesses can thrive without the looming threat of devastating fires.
Source:TheDotNews