Intensify surveillance in markets - E/R GNFS Commander urges personnel

The Eastern Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS),  Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Timothy Osafo-Affum, has tasked personnel, especially its task force, to intensify surveillance at major markets across the region.

That, he indicated, was because of the recent fire outbreaks in the major markets, which destroyed valuable items.

To this end, he said fire personnel, as well as equipment, had been stationed at the Koforidua Central Market in the New Juaben South Municipality to help quell any such incidence.

ACFO Osafo-Affum gave the directive when he interacted with market queens at the premises of the Koforidua Central Market last Wednesday.

The interaction with the market queens was to educate them on fire safety protocols and how to comply with them.

Taskforce

He said a dedicated task force would be patrolling the markets daily to maintain constant vigilance and respond swiftly to any fire emergencies.

To enhance safety in the markets, ACFO Osafo-Affum explained, fire units or posts had also been established in key markets within the region to conduct fire safety education and regular inspections and enforce compliance with fire safety protocols.

According to the Regional Commander, the GNFS would also collaborate closely with market queens, the Ghana Police Service and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, quick responses and the prevention of fire outbreaks in markets across the region.

Precautionary measures

Such precautionary measures, ACFO Osafo-Affum emphasised, were part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risk of fire incidents in major markets.

He, therefore, called on market queens, traders and the general public to cooperate fully with the GNFS initiative to ensure its success.

Safeguarding lives

ACFO Osafo-Affum stated that the initiative underscored the service's commitment to safeguarding lives and property, especially at the major commercial markets, such as the Koforidua Central, Juaben Serwaa, Central and Agartha markets.

He said the fire unit posts set up at the Koforidua Central Market were a key measure to conduct safety education and regular inspections, as well as enforce compliance with fire safety protocols. 

Situational reports

ACFO Osafo-Affum pointed out that the GNFS personnel assigned to the market would submit situational reports daily to the Eastern Regional Command Operation platform for review and action.

He indicated that the GNFS would collaborate with market leaders to enhance surveillance and ensure quick responses to potential fire incidents.

ACFO Osafo-Affum told the market queens and traders that the GNFS was committed to ensuring the safety and security of all markets in the region and urged stakeholders, market queens, traders and the general public to cooperate fully with measures set up by the GNFS.

Challenge

GNFS's proactive approach to the recent fire outbreaks, he indicated, had reflected its dedication to addressing market fires, a recurring challenge that had caused significant economic losses in recent times and the past.

ACFO Osafo-Affum urged traders at the various markets in the region to fully adhere to fire safety regulations and to desist from illegal electrical connections in the markets, as well as cooking with gas cylinders.

Writer's email:haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh