By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, 28 March, GNA – The Chamber of Informal Economy Ghana (CIEGHA) has called on the Government to develop and enforce a comprehensive market development plan to address the persistent market fires across the country.
The plea follows a devastating fire outbreak at the Kumasi Kejetia and Kantamanto Markets, prompting the Chamber to demand urgent and lasting measures to curb the menace.
In a press release issued to the Ghana News Agency, CIEGHA stated that the frequency and severity of those fires demanded urgent attention and action from the government.
Mr Seth Adu-Adjei, the Executive Director of the Chamber, emphasised the need to move beyond reactive measures and implement proactive strategies to safeguard the livelihoods of market traders.
“We cannot ignore the recurring pattern of market fires in our country,” Mr Adu-Adjei stated, and urged the Government to investigate the cause of the fire and establish a clear accountability framework, including providing timely compensation to affected traders and businesses to help them recover from their losses.
The Chamber also called for the implementation of stringent fire safety measures, such as the installation of fire detection and suppression systems, the conduct of regular fire drills, the strict enforcement of safety regulations, and ensuring that markets were designed and constructed with fire safety as a primary consideration.
CIEGHA stressed the importance of developing and enforcing a comprehensive market development plan to address the root causes of market fires, including issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate infrastructure, with clear timelines and assigned accountability to relevant authorities.
It underscored the need for a lasting solution to the perennial problem and an all-inclusive stakeholders’ consultative approach.
“Our members deserve better, and we will continue to advocate their welfare and interests,” the release said.
It expressed its solidarity with the affected members and assured them of the Chamber’s support and assistance during “this challenging period.”
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