By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), June 22, GNA – A devastating fire outbreak on Sunday, June 21, destroyed a premix fuel station and other properties at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi in the Western Region.
According to DCFO Jimmy Nab Daisie, the Fire Safety Officer at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour, heavy rains at about 1530 hours caused vegetation and portions of a slope around the premix fuel pump to collapse.
He said the runoff and mudslide subsequently pushed down a nearby electricity pole, which fell between premix fuel tanks and sparked a fire, and quickly spread to other fuel tanks triggering a major inferno.
Several structures, makeshift stalls, carts, and two vehicles parked nearby were reduced to ashes.
In all, five fire tenders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Port of Takoradi, and the Ghana Air Force, with support from fisherfolk in the area, battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
Meanwhile, Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has directed the immediate cessation of all commercial activities and total evacuation of traders operating at the Food Market and surrounding areas of the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour.
He gave the directive when he toured the scene to assess the extent of damage after the incident.
He was accompanied by Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, officials of the Port of Takoradi, and officers from the Western Regional Command of the GNFS.
Mr Nelson said: “Beyond the fire incident itself, we have observed that other portions of the vegetation and weakened slopes are overlooking sections of the fishing harbour, and this is posing a significant threat of another landslide.”
He said officials had decided to take steps to evacuate all those undertaking their trading activities along that section as a precautionary measure.
He commended the firefighters for their hard work and diligence in bringing the fire under control and preventing further damage to properties.
Mr James Richard Quayson, Director of the Port of Takoradi, noted that management had on several occasions attempted to halt and relocate premix fuel activities from the operational areas of the fishing harbour, but proved unsuccessful.
He, however, said management would put in place measures to restore full operation of the fishing harbour to help serve its intended purpose.
GNA
Edited Justina Hilda Paaga/ Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson