The devastating toll of recent fire outbreaks in the country’s markets has led the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to take swift and bold action with Operation Market Safety in a bid to protect both traders and their livelihoods.
As part of a new initiative aimed at safeguarding markets across the country, GNFS has launched Operation Market Safety, a strategic move that involves deploying a dedicated task force to provide 24-hour fire coverage at key market locations.
According to the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunor, the new directives involve deploying fire personnel and fire appliances at markets nationwide between 1800 hours and 0600 hours each day. Operation Market Safety is a key component of this initiative.
Additionally, GNFS will establish fire units at key locations to conduct inspections, educate market traders on fire safety, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
In recent times, traders in Ghana’s major markets have faced the devastating consequences of fire outbreaks, often losing their goods, income, and livelihoods. Fires have not only destroyed valuable stock but also severely disrupted their ability to conduct business, leading to financial setbacks.
Many traders, particularly in high-risk areas, have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact fires can have on their operations. Marketplaces, being highly congested and filled with flammable materials, are prone to frequent fire hazards, exacerbating the financial strain on vendors who often lack adequate insurance to recover from such incidents.
These fire outbreaks have led to significant financial losses for many, with traders reporting the destruction of inventory that can run into thousands of Ghanaian cedis.
The ripple effect of these fires is also felt in the wider economy, as traders are unable to stock their stalls, reducing foot traffic and sales, which further affects their income streams.
In some cases, traders have been left with no means to repay loans or meet their daily needs, further burdening the already strained financial sector. The pain is unbearable, businesses are devastated, and dreams are crushed in an instant.
The GNFS’s initiative to ramp up fire safety and provide a stronger response mechanism is seen as a much-needed lifeline for many traders who operate in the informal sector, which forms the backbone of Ghana’s economy. Operation Market Safety is crucial in providing this support.
As the fire service works in collaboration with market authorities and law enforcement to strengthen safety measures, the union of traders has welcomed the move, acknowledging that Operation Market Safety is a critical step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
In addition to providing round-the-clock coverage, the GNFS will be submitting daily Situation Reports to the National Headquarters Operations for prompt review and action.
The service is also committed to collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure comprehensive surveillance and a swift response to any fire-related threats.
The GNFS in a statement said they are confident that, through these measures, the country will take a significant step forward in preventing further fire-related tragedies and safeguarding the livelihoods of traders across the nation. Operation Market Safety aims to achieve this goal.
