Adu Gyamfi, Secretary of the Kumasi City Market Traders Union, briefing the media

Kumasi City Market Traders Union steps up measures against fire outbreak

Daily Graphic Jan - 17 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The Kumasi City Market Traders Union has taken steps to avert incidents of fire outbreaks as experienced in other markets in some parts of the country.

It said having experienced a fire outbreak in 2023, which badly affected 33 shops and recognising the importance of market safety, the union was taking proactive steps to enhance security measures particularly, in the Kumasi City Market.

The Secretary of the union, Adu Gyamfi, said as part of the plans, the union has had formal discussions with the Ashanti Regional Police Command on the need to strengthen security within and around the market.

This has led to an increase in police patrols and traders have been advised to close their shops by 7:00 PM to allow for effective police monitoring and identification of potential threats.

Adu Gyamfi said the union had also appealed to the Ghana National Fire Service to intensify fire safety education programmes within the market to raise awareness among traders and improve fire prevention measures.

Also, he said the union had advised traders and other stakeholders to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity within the market.

The union has also emphasised the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and avoiding actions that could potentially trigger a fire.

"We believe that a secure market environment is crucial for the growth and development of businesses and the local economy.

"Thus by proactively addressing potential threats and enhancing safety measures, we aim to prevent future fire incidents and safeguard the livelihood of our members," Mr Gyamfi stated.

The union secretary has on behalf of the group, commiserated with their counterparts who have been affected by fire incidents that have occurred in some parts of the country.

The union expressed its sympathy to the victims of the recent fires, particularly those affected by the devastating Kantamanto Market fire.

“We stand in solidarity with our fellow traders and market stakeholders and share in their pain and loss,” the Secretary of the union, Adu Gyamfi said in a message.