By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 20, GNA – Traders in Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region have raised concern on the frequent fire outbreaks in some marketplaces across the country.
According to them, over the past weeks, there have been major fire outbreaks in different markets, which have resulted in the loss of properties and goods worth millions of cedis.
Madam Aba Damoah, a trader at Tarkwa market circle, said “We are frightened because most of us are working with loans. We are appealing to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) division in the Municipality to take action to prevent this calamity from occurring in Tarkwa”.
When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) contacted Divisional Officer Grade II, Alex Assiem, Municipal Fire Commander, Tarkwa on the issue, he assured the traders not to panic as they have made the necessary preparations.
He said, “Usually after 6:00 pm, my officers conduct inspections at Tarkwa market circle after the traders had closed for the day to check if there is any naked flame, so we respond to it. We started this in 2024 but will soon commence it this year”.
DO Grade II Assiem explained that “Africa Mining Services gave us container for office, so we are currently at the Shell filling station with our appliances. This office is close to our markets, so we can swiftly respond to any fire incident”
He said two years ago, the Municipal Fire Command started a public awareness campaign where they visited communities to educate residents on the causes of fire outbreak, effects, and prevention.
Communities such as Bogoso junction, Cyanide, Lay-out, Ahwitieso, Bankyiem, Akyempim among others benefited from the programme which they hope to extend to more areas this year.
“We move our appliances to the respective communities for our public education because we do not have utility vehicles. This is very expensive because filling our tank cost GH¢ 4,000 and we need assistance to sustain the programme.
“The GNFS understand the importance of fire safety and prevention, and we are committed to doing our part to protect markets in the Municipality” said the Fire Commander.
DO Grade II Assiem stated that they would continue to sensitize traders on basic fire safety and prevention techniques, such as how to properly dispose of waste and identify potential fire hazards.
He appealed to individuals and institutions to support the Municipal Fire Command, Tarkwa to go about their duties effectively, adding that, “it’s a tough job, but we are doing our best with what we have at hand”.
GNA