Ghana’s Fire Service Steps Up to Tame Market Fires
Market fires in Ghana have left traders heartbroken, with devastating blazes like the Kantamanto market inferno in January 2025 wiping out livelihoods overnight. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is now intensifying efforts to curb these recurring tragedies, rolling out bold measures to protect bustling markets in Accra, Kumasi, and beyond. With fire Rosy cheeks and fiery determination, the GNFS is tackling this burning issue head-on, blending modern tech and community outreach to keep markets safe.
Fires in Ghana’s markets, often sparked by faulty wiring, flammable materials, or even arson, have exposed critical gaps in fire safety. The GNFS is addressing these vulnerabilities with a multi-pronged approach. DO II Ackah, in a recent JoyNews interview, emphasized the need for early warning systems like smoke detectors, a game-changer in fire prevention. Drawing inspiration from advanced nations like Germany, where such tech has slashed fire outbreaks, the GNFS is pushing for similar upgrades. These systems could detect fires before they escalate, saving lives and livelihoods.
Congested markets, like those in Adum and Kejetia, pose another challenge, with narrow pathways hindering emergency access. The GNFS is advocating for better market layouts, including wider escape routes to ease evacuations. Water access, a persistent hurdle due to limited fire hydrants, is also under scrutiny. The GNFS is collaborating with the Ghana Water Company to install more hydrants, ensuring firefighters aren’t left high and dry.
Public education is at the heart of this campaign. GNFS officers are hitting the streets, from Dambai to Madina, teaching traders how to handle flammable materials and adopt fire-safe habits. Recent sensitization drives, like the Fire Service Safety Week in Oti Region, have empowered market women with practical tips—extinguishing charcoal properly, shutting off gas cylinders, and more. These efforts are resonating, with traders praising the GNFS for actionable advice that protects their stalls and homes.
The GNFS isn’t stopping there. President John Mahama has directed the deployment of fire tenders and personnel to markets at night, coupled with CCTV installations for round-the-clock monitoring. These moves, announced in January 2025, aim to deter arson and catch fires early. The GNFS is also reviewing its strategies after 616 fire outbreaks in Tema alone in 2024, a 15% spike from 2023, signaling an urgent need for smarter prevention.
By blending tech upgrades, infrastructure fixes, and grassroots education, the GNFS is rewriting the narrative on market fires. Traders, the backbone of Ghana’s economy, can breathe easier knowing help is on the way. As the GNFS forges ahead, their mantra—“Ensuring Safer Communitiesâ€â€”is more than a slogan; it’s a promise to protect Ghana’s vibrant markets from the flames.
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