Ghana over the years has suffered a series of fire outbreaks in some of the major markets in the country, this has culminated in the loss of lives, so many billions of Ghana Cedis as well as goods and services.

Examples of these markets are the Makola Market in the capital city, Kantamanto Market, Asafo Market in the Ashanti Region, Techiman Market, the Zongo Lane business Area, the recent Kantamnto Market and many more.

These market fires are as a result of poor planning and layout of the market during construction.

For the country, Ghana to prevent and reduce the perennial fire outbreaks, then we as a country must look at investing in the reconstruction, and modernization of all major markets in the country to ensure our markets meet all the needs of safety requirements as prescribed in the LI 1724 (Fire Safety Precaution Premises).

Here are some recommendations and strategies that District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Assemblies in Ghana can adopt to eradicate perennial fire outbreaks in major markets:

 I. Infrastructure Development

Redesign and Reconstruction of Markets: Ensure markets are designed with fire safety in mind, including adequate spacing, ventilation, and access routes.

2. Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade:

Replace Old and Faulty Electrical Wiring: Ensure that all electrical connections are safe and compliant with standards.

3. Fire Hydrant Installation: Install fire hydrants in strategic locations within markets to facilitate easy access to water in case of fires.

 II. Fire Safety Measures

1. Fire Detection and Suppression Systems: Install fire detection and suppression systems in markets, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.

2. Fire Extinguishers and Equipment: Provide fire extinguishers and equipment, such as dry and wet risers in our markets markets.

3. Regular Fire Drills and Training BY GNFS: Conduct regular fire drills and training for market traders, stakeholders, and firefighters.

 III. Regulatory Enforcement

1. Enforce Building Codes and Regulations: Ensure that market structures comply with building codes and regulations, including those related to fire safety.

2. Regular Inspections and Monitoring: Conduct regular inspections and monitoring of markets to identify potential fire hazards and enforce compliance with regulations.

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Impose penalties on market traders and stakeholders who fail to comply with fire safety regulations.

 IV. Public Education and Awareness

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate market traders, stakeholders, and the general public on fire safety and prevention.

2. Fire Safety Education and Training by GNFS: Provide fire safety education and training for market traders, and stakeholders.

3. Collaboration with Community Leaders: Collaborate with community leaders and opinion leaders to promote fire safety awareness and education.

 V. Collaboration and Partnerships

1. Partnerships with Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)  Foster partnerships with Ghana National Fire Service to ensure prompt response to fire outbreaks and provide training and equipment for firefighters.

2. Collaboration with Market Associations: Collaborate with market associations and stakeholders to promote fire safety awareness and education, and to develop and implement fire safety plans.

3. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Foster inter-agency collaboration among District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Assemblies, fire service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to fire outbreaks.

 VI. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

1. Regular Market Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of markets to identify potential fire hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.

2. Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain fire equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and sprinkler systems.

3. Waste Management and Disposal: Ensure proper waste management and disposal practices in markets to prevent fires caused by accumulated waste.

By adopting these strategies, District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Assemblies in Ghana can significantly reduce the risk of perennial fire outbreaks in major markets, protecting lives, properties, and livelihoods as well as the economic reliability of the market in terms of micro and macro sustainability of the contributions these market plays in the stability of the economy.

By: LFM Maxwell Ashaong

GNFS OTI (PR UNIT)