In the aftermath of devastating fires at the Kantamanto and Techiman markets, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has unveiled robust measures to prevent similar tragedies in the country’s major trading hubs.
The fires, which destroyed goods worth millions of cedis, left many traders in despair and reignited calls for improved fire safety in markets across Ghana.
Chief Fire Officer Julius A. Kuunuor has described the situation as a wake-up call, emphasizing the GNFS’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
READ ALSO: Kantamanto Market Fire: Eyewitness Claims Petrol, Not Water, Was Used to Douse Flames
“The recent fires have been catastrophic, not just for the traders but for the communities that depend on these markets. We cannot stand by and watch this happen again,” he said during the announcement of new directives.
Among the steps being implemented, GNFS personnel and appliances will now be stationed at key markets nationwide from dusk till dawn, providing round-the-clock fire cover.
“This ensures that any fire outbreak, regardless of the time, will be swiftly addressed,” Kuunuor explained. He also revealed the formation of a dedicated task force to patrol markets daily, ensuring constant vigilance and immediate action when needed.
To enhance these efforts, the GNFS plans to establish permanent fire units within major markets.
These units will not only respond to emergencies but also educate traders on fire prevention, inspect market facilities, and enforce compliance with fire safety protocols.

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