The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed plans to deploy a specialized task force across the country in an effort to combat the growing frequency of fires in the markets.This measure aims to enhance safety and prevent further destruction caused by market fires.Chief Fire Officer Julius A.

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Kuunuor emphasized the importance of vigilance, explaining that fire personnel and vehicles will be stationed at various market locations daily, providing fire coverage from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. “Personnel and fire appliances will be stationed at various markets across the country from 1800 hours to 0600 hours daily, providing round-the-clock fire cover,” he said.

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The GNFS will also establish a dedicated patrol team that will conduct regular rounds in major markets, ensuring continuous monitoring and a quick response to potential fire hazards. In addition to these measures, fire units will be set up in key markets to facilitate safety education, conduct routine inspections, and enforce safety regulations.

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“To ensure comprehensive monitoring, all GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties will submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the National Headquarters Operations (NHQ OPS INFO) platform by 0900 hours for further review and necessary action,” Chief Kuunuor added.

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In a bid to strengthen the response system, the GNFS will work alongside market authorities, the Ghana Police Service, and National Security to coordinate efforts and bolster security at the markets.This initiative comes in the wake of a disturbing surge in market fires that have caused widespread damage.

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A recent fire at the Techiman Central Market left numerous shops completely destroyed, adding to a growing list of affected markets, including the Tamale Timber Market, Accra's Kantamanto Market, and Kumasi's Kwadaso Wood Market. These incidents have caused substantial losses for traders and raised alarm about the need for urgent intervention.

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