President John Dramani Mahama has met with victims of the recent Kantamanto market fire to discuss relief efforts and outline measures to prevent future incidents.
The meeting, held in Accra, included market leaders, representatives, and other stakeholders. President Mahama expressed his condolences to the affected traders and reassured them of the government’s commitment to providing both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
He announced several key directives aimed at improving security and fire response in markets nationwide.
Key Measures Announced by President Mahama
1. Increased Market Security
President Mahama has instructed National Security to enhance security at major markets, particularly during the night, with more patrols to deter potential arson. “Fires tend to occur at night, and this raises suspicion that some may be deliberate,” he said.
2. Strategic Fire Tender Deployment
The Ghana National Fire Service has been directed to station fire tenders near major markets at night for a quicker response to any outbreaks. “Fire tenders should be stationed close to major markets so they can extinguish fires before they cause widespread damage,” the President said.
3. CCTV Installation for Enhanced Surveillance
To strengthen market monitoring, President Mahama announced plans to install CCTV cameras at key locations in major markets. These cameras will help track activities and identify potential perpetrators in case of suspicious activity.
4. Reconstruction of the Market
Acknowledging the losses suffered by traders, the President assured that they would be able to reclaim their spaces once the market is rebuilt. He also encouraged market leaders to consider a safer, more modern design for the reconstruction. “In adversity, there is opportunity,” Mahama noted. “This is a chance to rebuild better than before.”
President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to alleviating the hardship caused by the fire, assuring that no trader would be displaced. “Everybody will be able to get back their place in the market,” he said.
Source:TheDotNews