The Ghana National Fire Service in the Ashanti Region has intensified efforts to curb market fires after recording 208 fire outbreaks between January and February this year.
Although the figure represents a slight drop from the 237 cases reported during the same period in 2025, the Ashanti Regional Commander, ACFO1 Peter Tetteh, says the threat remains high—particularly in busy commercial centres.
Speaking at the launch of an inter-market fire safety quiz in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 3, ACFO1 Tetteh described the first quarter of the year as the peak season for fire outbreaks. He stressed that markets continue to be among the most vulnerable areas.
The quiz initiative is designed to equip traders with practical knowledge on fire prevention and emergency response. According to the Command, empowering traders to identify fire risks and take preventive action is key to reducing recurring market blazes.
“Market fires cause a lot of devastation. The aim is to get traders involved in fire prevention so they can understand what causes fires and help prevent them,” ACFO1 Tetteh stated, noting strong participation and positive feedback from traders.
He also issued a caution to traders dealing in combustible and explosive materials, urging them to relocate outside market premises due to the dangers such goods pose in densely populated trading areas.
Managing Director of the Kejetia Market, Chairman Ernest Afayam, endorsed the programme, highlighting the need for sustained fire education given the market’s structure and history of fire incidents.
He referenced a recent outbreak that was swiftly contained by fire officers, as well as a 2023 incident linked to hazardous chemicals that displaced several traders and resulted in significant financial losses.
Describing the quiz as a proactive step, Chairman Afayam said the initiative would help safeguard livelihoods and strengthen fire prevention efforts across major markets in the region.
