The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service on Friday conducted a market storm operation at Kumasi’s Kejetia Market to improve fire safety and prevent disasters.
Led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer I Peter Tetteh, the exercise involved more than 200 officers inspecting stalls and facilities across the market. The team identified several fire safety violations, including unsafe electrical wiring, blocked exit routes, improper storage of flammable materials and the lack of fire extinguishers.
Traders found in violation were directed to correct the deficiencies within the shortest possible time or face sanctions in accordance with fire safety regulations. Beyond enforcement, officers engaged traders in direct public education, focusing on fire prevention practices, early detection of fire outbreaks and proper emergency reporting procedures.
GNFS officials said the operation forms part of sustained efforts to reduce the incidence of market fires, which often cause extensive losses to traders and disrupt livelihoods. The Service noted that similar inspections and education exercises will be replicated in other major markets across the Ashanti Region as part of a broader fire prevention campaign.