By Joyce Danso
Accra, Jan. 17, GNA- The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched the National Inter-Market Fire Safety Competition at the Malata Market at Accra-Newtown to promote fire safety awareness and curb recurring incidence of fires across markets in the country.
Dr Gideon Asamoah Tetteh, Director, tMinistry of the Interior, who represented the sector minister, commended the GNFS for the initiative and urged market leaders and traders to embrace it wholeheartedly, noting that collective commitment was key to eliminating such fires.
Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, the Chief Fire Officer, GNFS, described the launch as a major step towards protecting the markets, livelihoods, and families, a post on the GNFS Facebook page said on Friday.
She said it marked the beginning of “planting of a seed of fire safety” in every market in Ghana, which would also nurture the hope of a lasting culture of prevention, preparedness, and community responsibility.
She explained that the competition was about learning, discipline, and responsibility, and encouraged traders to become fire safety ambassadors by practicing safe electricity use, proper handling of gas and fuel, good housekeeping, and prompt response to fire incidents.
The Chief Fire Officer said although prizes would be awarded, the greatest reward was safety, stressing that a safe market meant safe traders, protected goods, and secured livelihoods.
Mr Rudolph Collingwood-Williams, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ayawaso Central, who launched the competition, pledged to build a fire post at the Mallam Atta Market.
“This bold commitment demonstrates my strong support for the project and signals a firm step toward enhancing market fire preparedness in the municipality,” he said.
Mr Abubakar Moro, the Assembly Member, Mallam Atta Electoral Area, pledged his support for the initiative.
He said the presence of the directors of the Service and the Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Kwame Nisawu Rashid, underscored the strong institutional backing for the programme.
Market leaders and traders welcomed the initiative and committed themselves to implementing all recommended fire safety measures, emphasizing their readiness to make the markets safer.
The Service’s Regimental Band entertained the audience with soothing musical tunes, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere throughout the launch.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe