The fire outbreak at the Kaneshie market on 20th December comes as a surprise to many because this market has been used as a model to other markets within the capital.
Although the cause of fire is still unknown, human behavior has been identified as a major cause of fire outbreak by the Ghana National Fire Service
Speaking on 3fm’s Sunrise morning show, Station Officer Michael Walter Okai of the Ghana National Fire Service said; “Proper segregation of markets will help avoid fire outbreaks. Most of the markets in Ghana are not built; they are formed unlike the Kaneshie market which has been used as a model to other markets.”
Activities like cooking, which happen in the markets can cause the fire outbreaks and he blamed Ghanaians for a poor attitude towards safety measures outlined for the prevention of such disasters.
Comparing the unfortunate events of fire outbreaks in the Odawna, Katamanto and now Kaneshie market, Mr, Walter Okai said many other markets are living on a time bomb.
He also admitted that the Ghana National Fire Service has the right to prosecute the market folk who flout the fire safety measures and the law will deal with all offenders in full force in the coming year, 2021.
Mr Walter Okai argued that the task force have been trained over time on how to handle fire emergencies. These trainings according to him, are very well inclusive of market traders.
Although the market folk are involved in these trainings, human attitude determines the seriousness attached to the training.
According to him, the District Assemblies have a role to play because they own the markets. He is calling for a liaison between the district assembly, the market folk and the Ghana national fire service to build an ultra modern market which has all the fire safety measures in place.
“Market women and district assemblies should liaise with the Ghana national fire service to build an ultra modern market. Until we begin to have modules of markets, built ones not formed ones, fires will be with us.”
Meanwhile speaking on the same show, Richard Amo Yartey, Director Inspectorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation reiterated the need for a fire emergency plan to put out fires. He also identified lack of smoke detectors in the market places as a contributing factor to the lack of early detection of fire outbreak.
Furthermore, Mr. Yartey urged Ghanaians to embrace and utilize insurance policies.
“Although NADMO provides some level of support to the affected traders, it is not enough to help their business bounce back.” “Insurance policies will help market folk revive their business in the case of disasters such as the unfortunate event at the Kaneshie market.”
By Yaa Korantemaa|3news.com|Ghana
