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President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the urgent need to ban the use of gas cylinders and open flames in markets to reduce the risk of devastating fires.
During a visit to the Adum market in Kumasi, which was recently gutted by fire, President Mahama emphasized that cooking with gas cylinders and open flames in market spaces is a key contributor to fire disasters and must be strictly prohibited.
He advised traders to consider alternative arrangements for meal preparation to minimize fire hazards. According to him, bringing home-prepared meals or purchasing food from outside the market would help eliminate one of the major causes of such incidents.
“We need to take proactive measures. Gas cookers and open flames have been identified as major causes of fire outbreaks in our markets. It’s time we end this practice to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods,” he stressed.
The President’s remarks come in the aftermath of a destructive fire at the Adum market, which left several shops destroyed and traders counting significant losses.
President Mahama praised the swift intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), whose efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading further. He also assured affected traders of the government’s support in rebuilding their businesses.
Looking ahead, he urged local authorities to prioritize safety in market spaces and implement stricter measures to prevent future disasters. “We must reassess the safety protocols in our markets and take bold steps to protect both traders and customers,” he added.
Source:Omanghana.com
