Mahama orders deployment of fire tenders in major markets

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to deploy fire tenders at major markets nationwide, as part of urgent measures to prevent recurring market fires.

This initiative will be complemented by the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations to identify individuals suspected of causing these devastating incidents.

The President made the announcement during his maiden meeting with traders of the Kantamanto Market in Accra yesterday.

The meeting, attended by the leadership of the traders’ association, focused on improving market security and assisting traders in recovering from recent losses.

President Mahama expressed heartfelt sympathy to traders who lost their goods and capital in the Kantamanto Market fire, which occurred on the eve of his swearing-in as Ghana’s sixth president.

“We all heard the sad news of what happened. Kantamanto is a household name in Ghana, an essential trading hub that supplies goods across the country. It was a shock to us because it happened at a time when the country was celebrating the inauguration and everything was going well,” he stated.

President Mahama revealed that Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was dispatched to console the affected traders shortly after the incident.

Proactive Security Measures

In response to the fires, which have also affected Techiman Market and other trading hubs, President Mahama emphasised the need for immediate action.

“We are asking the National Fire Service to station fire tenders at major markets, especially at night, when these fires typically occur. This gives us reason to suspect arson,” he said.

He also underscored plans to install CCTV cameras at key points in markets across the country to monitor activities and identify potential perpetrators.

“If anyone is involved in these acts, the CCTV cameras will capture them. These are some of the immediate steps we are taking to secure our markets,” President Mahama added.

Rebuilding and Assistance

The meeting also focused on hearing from traders about how the government can support them. President Mahama assured the traders that no one would lose their space in the market following the reconstruction.

“Adversity brings opportunity. Now that the market is burnt down, we can think about how to rebuild it better. The government is determined to ensure that everyone regains their place, but the design will be improved to prevent future incidents,” he said.

The reconstruction forms part of the Market Enhancement Programme, a core promise in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, which the government is committed to fulfilling.

President Mahama announced that security heads would soon engage market leadership to finalise arrangements for the deployment of fire tenders and the installation of surveillance systems.

He reassured traders of the government’s commitment to alleviating their plight and ensuring market safety.

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