In an effort to forestall the looming peril of fire outbreaks within the bustling Mankessim market, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, in concert with various stakeholders, has embarked on an exhaustive pre-preparatory exercise.
The stakeholders—comprising the Ghana Police Service (specifically the MTTD department), personnel from the Municipal Assembly, market women, and other allied entities—collectively undertook measures aimed at mitigating fire hazards within the market premises.
The operation primarily entailed the creation of unhindered access routes to facilitate the seamless navigation of GNFS fire engines during emergencies. Furthermore, the initiative included the disconnection of hazardous and improperly installed electrical wiring, which constitutes a significant fire risk.
Expounding on the rationale behind this initiative, ADO1 William Koufie, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GNFS for the Mfantseman Municipality, elucidated that the directive for market safety stems from an order issued by H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
This directive underscores the imperative of safeguarding markets in every constituency to preempt potential disasters.
He lamented the encroachment of access routes within the market, attributable to the activities of market women, which underscores the criticality of this exercise in enhancing operational efficacy during fire emergencies.
ADO1 Koufie further emphasized that multifaceted strategies are being deployed to ensure the safety and security of the Mankessim market.
However, he decried the non-cooperation exhibited by certain market women, which he posited could jeopardize the success of the initiative.
Adding his voice to the discourse, Mr. Justice Amoah, the Coordinating Director of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, lamented the detrimental effects of congestion within the market.
He intimated that the pervasive overcrowding dissuades patrons, as vehicular parking spaces are rendered inaccessible.
Using himself as a case in point, Mr. Amoah revealed his preference for shopping in Cape Coast over Mankessim due to these challenges.
He warned that if proactive measures are not instituted, the market risks a gradual decline in patronage.
She implored them to exhibit a spirit of cooperation, noting that their collaboration is indispensable in ensuring the market’s safety.
Mrs. Koree drew attention to the catastrophic market fires that have plagued Kantamanto and Techiman, vowing to forestall a similar calamity in Mankessim. She cautioned that recalcitrance on the part of any individual could attract stringent legal consequences.
This proactive exercise, which transpired on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, at the Mankessim market, is emblematic of the stakeholders’ commitment to averting a potential disaster.
Story by Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah