By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), March 28, GNA – Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has inaugurated an 11-member committee to take proactive steps to avert possible market fires in the Western Region.
The Market Fires Prevention Committee was constituted in response to recent reports of fire outbreaks in some major markets in other regions, and that it was to take proactive measures to prevent any such incidents in the region.
The Committee has been given 10 working days to undertake a comprehensive assessment of physical conditions of markets, adequacy of existing safety protocols, emergency response and rescue operations, and make recommendations for immediate implementation to prevent market fires in the region and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in particular.
Speaking during the inauguration, at Sekondi, Mr Nelson urged the Committee members to discharge their assigned duties with diligence and dedication to help achieve the desired outcome.
He expressed confidence in their ability to make meaningful contributions, stating that they were carefully selected due to their knowledge and unwavering commitment to the development of the Western Region.
“As Regional Minister, I have taken lessons from the recent devastating fires in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, and so to prevent such incidents in our region, I have assembled a team to raise awareness and focus on fire safety in our markets, whether big or small,” he said.
The Western Regional Minister the Regional Coordinating Council was committed to protecting markets from fire related incidents to safeguard the investments of traders, while protecting lives and properties.
Mr Nelson said: “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.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II, David Asa Darko, Chairman of the Committee, gave the assurance that they would work assiduously and conduct a thorough assessment of existing market structures to prevent fire related incidents in the region.
He cautioned market women and traders in various markets about the dangers of fire outbreaks and called 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, so I encourage the Electricity Company officials to conduct regular inspections to identify and rectify these illegalities, which often cause havoc during rainfall,” he stated.
ACFO II Darko mentioned some of the challenges they faced in firefighting efforts, saying “A major challenge is the lack of clear walkways in the markets. It is essential to create designated paths to ensure that firefighters can easily access the market in case of a fire emergency.”
He, however, said the committee would brainstorm and develop appropriate strategies to prevent market fires in the Western Region.
GNA
JP/GRB