The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has called on traders to prioritize fire safety to prevent future incidents and protect lives and property, following recent fires in the Zongo Lane and Kasoa business areas.
In a press statement, TAGG advised traders to take fire safety seriously to avoid losing their capital. The group stressed the importance of following fire safety guidelines and putting measures in place to prevent fires.
To this end, TAGG has provided several recommendations to help traders reduce the risk of fires and ensure the safety of their businesses. These include frequently inspecting electrical wiring, heating equipment, and other potential fire hazards; and making sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and that everyone knows how to use them.
Others include a need to create and regularly practice emergency evacuation plans to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire; offering fire safety training to all workers, focusing on how to prevent, detect, and respond to fires and complying with all local fire safety regulations and codes.
The recent market fires highlight the urgent need for traders to take fire safety seriously.
On September 1, 2024, a fire swept through Zongo Lane near Rawlings Park, causing severe damage to several shops and their contents. The fire, which started in a small shop, quickly spread to surrounding stores, filling the area with thick black smoke.
Firefighters responded promptly and, after a prolonged battle, managed to contain the flames. However, the damage was extensive, with many shops, including those selling clothing and electronics, destroyed.
Just a day later, on September 2, 2024, another fire outbreak occurred at Flag Junction in Kasoa, destroying several shops and causing extensive property damage. The fire, which began around 5:30 PM, impacted multiple structures along the Kasoa-Obom road, including carpentry shops and drinking spots.
While no casualties were reported, the damage is estimated to be worth tens of thousands of cedis. Residents have voiced concerns about the proximity of power lines and filling stations, which could have worsened the situation.
As the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) continues to investigate the cause of the fire, TAGG is advising traders to take fire safety seriously to avoid the risk of losing their capital, property and worse, their life.
