Collaborative effort required to address market fires – TAGG
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana is calling for a holistic approach to dealing with the frequent fire outbreaks in the country.
President of TAGG, David Amoateng, believes there must be a concerted effort by local assemblies, leadership and markets folks, and the Ghana National Fire service, to prevent the occurrence of fires in markets across the country.
“Anytime there is a fire outbreak, the first organization that we attack is the fire service. But sometimes you can’t blame them because in some cases they could not have access to the scene. So inasmuch as we want the government to supply them with the necessary tools.”
“We too should be responsible citizens when we are building. We must build as directed by the city engineers. They also, have to up their game by seeing to it that buildings without permits are pulled down. Should something happen, the person who issued the permit should also be held responsible.”
His comment follows an outbreak yesterday at a wholesale shop known as MOOVED Home Appliances at Opera Square in Accra.
The fire which took fire service personnel hours to dowse is reported to have destroyed properties worth thousands and Cedis.
There have been several cases of fire outbreaks, especially in markets across the country for decades and this year hasn’t been an exception.
Earlier this month, A fire outbreak at the Tema timber market left many shop owners distressed.
Similarly, another fire broke out around 2 am on Monday, April 4, 2022, destroying several stores at a makeshift Takoradi market.
Such occurrences have left victims, particularly traders devasted after losing their capital to the flames.
Mr Amoateng says insurance is the only lifeline for traders who experience such unfortunate incidents.
“We are entreating all traders to come and sign on to this program that we have with enterprise and vanguard assurance that we insure all our shops so that if the unforeseen does happen, we will not be found wanting.”
Source: Ghana Business
