The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged the authorities of Kantamanto Market to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the facility using fire-resistant materials and modern safety systems to prevent future fire outbreaks.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, April 19, the Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, expressed concern that despite previous redevelopment efforts, the market remains highly vulnerable to fires due to the continued use of combustible materials such as plywood and wawa boards.
He stressed the need for the incorporation of essential fire safety features, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, and flame detectors — systems he described as critical for preventing and managing fires in busy commercial spaces like Kantamanto.
ACFO Nisawu also recommended stricter operational guidelines for the market, suggesting that trading hours be limited to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to prevent the increasing trend of traders converting their stalls into overnight residences — a practice he warned significantly heightens the risk of fire incidents.
“They have reconstructed the market, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — until we dedicate ourselves to rebuilding these markets to meet modern standards, with proper fire detection systems and fire-resistant materials, and ensure they are used strictly as markets and not homes, we will continue to face these challenges,” he stated.
He further urged market leaders to prioritize public safety over convenience and to abandon outdated construction practices that expose traders to recurring fire risks.
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