Let’s stem the tide of fires at our markets

Fire outbreaks have become a regular occurrence in the country, with several lives and property worth millions of Ghana cedis lost almost every year. The frequent fire incidents in commercial buildings, at shopping malls and markets have become a serious threat to our fragile economy.

Indeed, the frequent fire outbreaks at our markets across the country have defied all solutions.

The Kumasi Central Market, which has become synonymous with fire outbreaks, has been hit once again by another blaze which swept through parts of the sprawling market yesterday, destroying large quantities of goods.

Apart from the Kaneshie Market in Accra, almost all the markets in the country have experienced one form of fire outbreak or another.

 This is worrying because markets serve as stimulus for economic development and provide avenues for groups and individuals to obtain better living conditions through commerce.

Though the cause of the recent fire outbreak in Kumasi has been established, we dare say that generally markets in the country do not have well-planned and proper layouts. Therefore, anytime fire breaks out there, it becomes very difficult for fire engines to get access to put it out, resulting in many goods being destroyed in the process.

One major cause of market fires is overloaded sockets. One socket has so many appliances connected to it that inevitably there is bound to be tripping, which causes fire.

Another cause of fire outbreaks at our markets is the illegal wiring for commercial purposes which triggers the infernos.  The faulty electrical wiring is occasioned by the use of fake and substandard cables.

As the country gets set for higher economic growth, there is the need for us to take steps to stem the tide of fire outbreaks through preventive means to avoid possible setbacks resulting from loss of lives and properties.

The Daily Graphic thinks that the fundamental tool for economic development in every country is the protection of the sectors which serve as the engine that pools all the financial resources  for development.

Traders are important stakeholders of the economy because they bridge the gap between producers and final consumers and also break the bulk into smaller units that can suit the demands of consumers.

 The Daily Graphic, therefore, recommends that in view of the many incidents of fire outbreaks at our markets, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) should constantly engage leaders of the market associations to train them on how to prevent and manage fire outbreaks at the markets.

 The GNFS must also train our traders in the use of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, wet chemicals, as well as foam cylinders, to control fire outbreaks.

The Daily Graphic urges the GNFS to also step up its fire prevention crusades in homes and at commercial centres to prevent the havoc being caused by domestic and industrial fires.

For the country to achieve lofty heights in terms of higher economic growth, there is the need to take steps to stem the tide of fire outbreaks at our markets nationwide through preventive means to avoid loss of lives and economic setbacks.