The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned traders affected by the recent fire at Kantamanto Market not to rebuild without seeking professional advice on fire safety measures.
This warning comes after a devastating fire swept through the market on January 2, 2025, destroying over 100 shops and displacing hundreds of traders.
ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, the Greater Accra Regional Commander of the GNFS, addressing the press, emphasised the importance of seeking professional advice before rebuilding.
He stated that without proper guidance, traders risk facing similar disasters in the future. Nisawu also denied allegations that the fire service used petrol instead of water to fight the fire, calling the claims “unfortunate” and illogical.
The GNFS has advised traders to consult with them before rebuilding to ensure that standardized structures and materials are used to prevent future fire accidents.
The service has also dispatched 13 fire trucks to combat the blaze and has been working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
“As we speak, I have spoken to them, the authorities and I have made them aware that if they have not come for professional advice and go on with the reconstruction [and] if they are not lucky and one day there is fire, they will be telling the same story.
“The last time the minister came to sympathize with them, I suggested that even if they have to construct, they have to come for advice, and then we give them standardize structures and the type of materials that they should use. But I cannot go in there and force them,” he stated.
“As for the people making allegations that we poured petrol on the fire at the time we attempted to bring the situation under control, that is the reason we are holding this press conference to explain to the people of Ghana.
“Why on earth should anybody put petrol in a fire tender and pour it on the fire? Even if you take petrol there, you will get burnt yourself… So that is unfortunate, to say the least,” he stated.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Rita Nsiah
