By Samira Larbie
Accra, Jan. 16, GNA – A co-tenant prevented a major fire disaster at Akoshie Junction near Mamprobi Polyclinic by using a fire extinguisher and water to control the blaze until the Ghana National Fire Service arrived.
The fire, which broke out at around 2030 hours on Wednesday, resulted in the destruction of a wall fan, a 43-inch flat-screen TV, a mattress, and some clothing.
Assistant Station Officer (ASO), Isaac Owoo, told the Ghana News Agency that while the cause of the fire remained unclear, they suspected an electrical fault.
The victim, who was not home when the fire started, later confirmed during their investigation that he had left the wall fan and TV on while he stepped out briefly to buy food.
“But they tried to put it out with the assistance of a tenant’s fire extinguisher and water before the Fire Service arrived to ensure everything was under control,” he added.
ASO Owoo, expressing gratitude to the tenants for their quick action in handling the situation, urged them to be cautious and always ensure that all electrical devices are turned off whenever they leave.
He emphasized that such incidents could happen to anyone.
“Do not take things for granted due to power fluctuations,” he said.
After the fire incident, the team moved to Tuesday Market near Chorkor to patrol the area as part of efforts to prevent market fires.
To address the frequent fire outbreaks in markets, the GNFS has begun deploying fire personnel and fire tenders to markets nationwide for protection.
The personnel will be stationed at the markets from 1800 hours to 0600 hours daily, providing round-the-clock fire coverage as part of a broader strategy to reduce fire risks in these areas.
A statement issued by the GNFS, which was shared with the Ghana News Agency, highlighted the service’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of markets, which are crucial to the country’s economy and daily life.
However, during a visit by the Ghana News Agency to markets such as Makola, Kantamanto, Agbogbloshie, and Tuesday markets between 1800 hours and 2000 hours, it was observed that the personnel had not yet been deployed.
In a telephone conversation with DOI, Alex King Nartey of the Public Relations Department of the GNFS, he confirmed that the patrol team had not yet reached the markets visited by the GNA, as they were currently responding to fires elsewhere.
He assured that the team would proceed to the respective markets after completing their ongoing duties.
By 1830 hours, two deployments had already been made to Zenu Market in Ashiaman and Taifa Market.
DOI Nartey further gave the assurance that the deployment process would continue until all markets across the country were covered.
GNA