Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for a detailed investigation into the fire outbreak that ravaged sections of the Accra Central Market, saying authorities must establish the causes of the incident and identify measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The Vice President made the call during a visit to the market on Friday, June 5, where she inspected the extent of destruction caused by the blaze and interacted with affected traders and officials.

She was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Mayor of Accra, and other government representatives.

Expressing concern over the condition of the facility, Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the structure before decisions are taken on reconstruction or other interventions.

According to her, authorities must determine the factors that contributed to the incident, including the state of the building and whether existing safety measures were adequate.

The Vice President noted that while there is pressure to provide immediate solutions for affected traders, any long-term response should be guided by technical evaluations and evidence-based recommendations.

She also raised concerns about the original purpose and capacity of the facility, indicating that officials must establish whether the infrastructure was being used as intended and whether management practices contributed to the situation.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang maintained that understanding the root causes of the fire is essential to preventing similar disasters and ensuring safer conditions for traders and the public.

She further commended personnel from the emergency services for their efforts in containing the blaze and minimising further destruction.

While acknowledging discussions about potential redevelopment options, including the possibility of modernising the facility, the Vice President emphasised that future decisions should be informed by professional assessments rather than the urgency of the moment.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the cause of the fire as efforts begin to support affected traders and determine the next steps for the market's recovery.