Market fires - When will we be out of the woods?

According to Thomas Jefferson, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock”.

As a nation, it is time we rose to find a lasting solution to this devastating occurrence of market fires, by deliberately proffering the most condescending measures to sever the trend.

Market infernos have plagued Ghana. Unfortunately, the measures to resolutely stamp them out are lacking, while the constant fire outbreaks lead to the loss of goods running into thousands of cedis.

The fires have resulted in many traders being out of business.

Also, it costs the nation fortunes to rehabilitate these commercial hubs.

Despite the efforts to prevent or eradicate these perpetual market fire outbreaks, the actions of some citizens are depicting interventional measures as one-off decisions.

The regularity of market fires is a loss to local investors, and are worrying, with the trend always presenting lessons to be learnt.

Action

While market fires are discussed on various occasions and at different platforms, unfortunately, no concrete action has emerged to prevent them.

Traders of these markets are knocked out of business and saddled with debts.

However, the sour point is our attitude towards the situation, which leaves no doubt that we will never be out of the woods soon.  

The Kejetia Market remains one of the most modernised in the country.

The new market was to curtail this heart-wrenching occurrence and improve hygiene.

Unfortunately, it has not been spared.

Haphazard

The electrical cabling of markets contribute to the causes of these infernos.

Some markets have haphazard electrical connections.

Unfortunately, when there is an inferno, such unprofessional electrical works come up for mention by the experts.

The views of the experts, coming at the heels of these fire disasters, only express the characteristic of our stock-in-trade as a people.

Another paramount issue is the structural planning of the markets and the segregation of wares, which has not received keen attention.

There is a need for products to be grouped according to their material make-up and chemical composition, and that must be strictly adhered to.

Furthermore, traditional restaurants operate within some of these markets, and this requires strict regulation on the use of open fire.

It is proper to designate specific areas outside the main market space for these traditional restaurants.

Word for it

An entrepreneur, Estee Lauder, has stated: "I never dreamed of success.

I worked for it". We cannot wish away the incidence of fire outbreaks within our markets without measures to curb them.

In this case, change is constant.

Because, in the case of change, attitude is paramount.

In matters of principle, we need to stand like a rock to prescribe a complete cessation of all practices that result in these fires.

The quality of electrical gadgets used in wiring markets must also be looked at; preferably, the market managers must work together with the Energy Commission and Ghana Standards Authority to strictly prescribe electrical wirings that are suitable to be used in our markets.

Security must also be improved at the markets during the day and enforced at night.

It is proper to keep the marketplaces illuminated at night to expose arsonist attacks.

There is the need for sensitisation and education on the segregation of wares, and subsequent enforcement among traders.

Again, ensuring that all electrical appliances and switches are off at the close of each day, is critical.

Educating the traders on the causes of these fire outbreaks will contribute to eradicating this ordeal.

The Ghana National Fire Service should engage with the traders and educate them on fire prevention.

Education has the clout to transcend every situation.

Let education lead.

The writer is Head, Public Relations,

Complementary Education Agency.

E-mail: trayalolo4@gmail.com