Western Regional Minister sets up 11-member market fire prevention committee

An 11-member Anti-Market Fire Committee has been inaugurated by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, to prevent market fires in the Western Region.

The committee’s primary objective is to identify potential fire threats and propose practical actionable recommendations to prevent future outbreaks.

The committee has been given ten days to evaluate the state of markets, identify fire threats, and propose practical recommendations to help prevent future outbreaks.

The Western Regional Anti-Market Fire Committee is chaired by Western Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade Two (ACFOII) David Asa Darko.

The committee comprises key stakeholders including Regional Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Musah Whajah, Takoradi Market Queen, Veronica Arthur, Public Relations Officer for Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) John Laste, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Western Region Chapter Chairman, Desmond Cudjoe, Regional NADMO Director Abdul Ganiyu, Morning Show Host at Connect FM Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, Regional Engineer for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), representative from Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly.

This committee will focus on markets in Sekondi-Takoradi to prevent fires and ensure public safety.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Nelson urged the newly formed committee to tackle their responsibilities with diligence and dedication.

He expressed confidence in their ability to make meaningful contributions, highlighting that they were carefully selected due to their unwavering commitment to the development of the Western Region.

“As Regional Minister, I’ve taken lessons from the recent devastating fires in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. To prevent such incidents in our region, I’ve assembled a team to raise awareness and focus on fire safety in our markets, big or small. We’re committed to protecting our markets, where many of our mothers and sisters work hard to earn a livingm” he noted.

“Fire outbreaks come with huge costs, not just financial, but also emotional, causing discomfort and affecting livelihoods. We’re determined to prevent such incidents in our region and ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” the Minister said.

Chairman of the Anti-Market Fire Committee Assistant Chief Fire Officer , ACFOII, David Asa Darko, highlighted the challenges firefighters face when combating market fires.

He cautioned market women and traders in various markets about the dangers of fire outbreaks, emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation to prevent such incidents.

“To prevent market fires, I strongly recommend that cooking in the markets be prohibited. Additionally, the issue of illegal electricity connections must be addressed. The electricity company should conduct regular inspections to identify and rectify these illegalities, which often cause havoc during rainfall.

“Another major challenge is the lack of clear walkways in the markets. It’s essential to create designated paths to ensure that firefighters can easily access the market in case of a fire emergency. Currently, the numerous obstructions make it difficult for personnel to reach the seat of the fire”.

“We will continue to brainstorm and develop more strategies to prevent market fires. Furthermore, we plan to engage in one-on-one discussions with market women to educate them on fire safety and prevention measures,” he assured.

The committee’s findings and recommendations are anticipated to play a crucial role in guiding the regional administration’s efforts to prevent market fires.

These recommendations will likely focus on ensuring the safety of traders, customers, and the surrounding community.

By Ebenezer Atiemo

The post Western Regional Minister sets up 11-member market fire prevention committee first appeared on 3News.

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