The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is calling for immediate action to demolish illegal structures obstructing emergency access routes in markets to prevent future fire disasters.
Speaking on ABC News GH, the Head of Public Relations for GNFS, DO III Desmond Ackah, made a strong case for enforcement measures.
“We need to take the bull by the horn. Where structures are not supposed to be put, we need to demolish them. Nobody should come with power to stop the city authorities from doing their work,” he asserted.
Ackah’s remarks come in the wake of the devastating fire at the Adum Market in Kumasi, which destroyed several shops and left traders counting their losses. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to blocked access routes, delaying efforts to control the blaze.
He warned that failure to address encroachment issues would continue to put lives and businesses at risk. “We should not allow people to encroach on access routes—these alleys serve as escape routes,” he added.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has visited the affected traders, pledging government support and urging them to adhere to safety measures, such as avoiding cooking in the market.
