By Comfort Sena Fetrie-Akagbor, GNA
Tema, Jan. 14, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has advised traders, particularly those operating in markets, to adopt strict fire prevention measures to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks.
Divisional Officer II (DOII) Ebenezer Yenzu, the Tema Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, advised traders to desist from cooking, sleeping, or residing within market stalls, describing the practice as a major fire risk.
DOII Yenzu, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview, further cautioned against smoking, uncontrolled open flames, and the use of generators or flammable fuels within commercial spaces.
He also urged traders to ensure the safe storage of flammable materials, including gas cylinders, in well-ventilated and designated compartments away from trading areas.
He called on market authorities and stakeholders to install fire hydrants at strategic and easily accessible locations within markets as well as provide alternative water sources, such as boreholes, to ensure a reliable water supply during emergencies.
Providing data, he said the Tema Region recorded a total of 583 fire incidents in 2025, a slight reduction from the 616 cases reported in 2024.
He attributed most of the fire incidents to human error, including unattended campfires, indiscriminate burning of debris, equipment malfunction, careless disposal of cigarette butts, and deliberate acts of arson.
He noted that arson remained a significant contributor to commercial fires, particularly in market centres.
The fire PRO said the GNFS had intensified fire safety education across the region, providing continuous training for commercial workers and traders, with emphasis on fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and basic firefighting skills.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah