Traders at the Sekondi Market have agreed to close their businesses by 5 p.m. daily as part of efforts to prevent potential fire outbreaks and enhance security across markets in the Western Region.
This initiative comes in response to a series of devastating market fires nationwide, including the recent blaze at Kantamanto Market.
In the wake of these incidents, President John Mahama directed the Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service to strengthen security measures at all marketplaces.
Nana Krah, the Queen Mother of Sekondi Market, stated that the new closing time aligns with the President’s directive, which allows security personnel to conduct patrols and prevent arson.
“Fire has gutted this market before, and we don’t want it to happen again. We’ve instructed traders to close by 5 p.m., and anyone using fire for their operations must stop by 4 p.m.,” she told 3News.
She also revealed that the Ghana National Fire Service is conducting surveillance and inspecting electrical wiring at the stalls to identify potential hazards.
Nana Krah urged all traders to comply with the guidelines, stressing the importance of protecting the market.
“This is the only market we have, so I appeal to my fellow market women to abide by the 5 p.m. closure directive to ensure our market’s safety and security,” she advised.
