WR Minister inaugurates anti-market fire committee

Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has taken a proactive step to avert any market fires in the Sekondi-Takoradi Municipality by inaugurating  an 11-member Anti-Market Fire Committee at a short ceremony in Takoradi recently.

The committee, which has ten days to submit its report, has been tasked to identify potential fire threats and propose practical recommendations to prevent future outbreaks, ensuring the safety of traders, customers, and the surrounding community.
The Committee is chaired by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade Two (ACFOII), David Asa Darko.

Others are the Regional Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah(Rtd.); Takoradi Market Queen, Veronica Arthur; Public Relations Officer for Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) John Laste and 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.

Speaking at the inauguration, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson urged the newly formed Anti-Market Fire 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 region.
“As a Regional Minister, I have taken lessons from the recent devastating fires in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. To prevent such incidents in our region I have assembled a team to raise awareness and focus on fire safety in our markets, big or small.

“We are committed to protecting our markets, where many of our mothers and sisters work hard to earn a living. Fire outbreaks come with huge costs, not just financial, but also emotional, causing discomfort and affecting livelihoods. We are determined to prevent such incidents in our region and ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” he said.
Chairman of the Anti-Market Fire Committee, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade Two (ACFOII), David Asa Darko, highlighted the challenges fire fighters face when combating market fires.

He cautioned market women and traders in various markets about the dangers of fire outbreaks, emphasising 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 fire fighters 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 said.
The committee findings and recommendations are anticipated to play a crucial role in guiding the regional administration’s efforts to prevent market fires.

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