Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, has publicly urged former President John Mahama to address the persistent issue of market fires in Ghana, particularly the recurring incidents at Kantamanto Market in Accra. Bentil’s call to action, posted on social media, highlights the repetitive nature of these fires, characterizing them not as isolated incidents but as a reflection of a systemic failure within Ghanaian society. He underscored the regularity of these events, lamenting that they have become an almost expected annual occurrence. Bentil’s pointed message directly implicates societal practices and norms, suggesting a cultural acceptance of these disasters and a lack of proactive measures to prevent them. He linked the market fires to the equally persistent problem of inadequate street lighting, further emphasizing a systemic neglect of essential public infrastructure and safety measures. His appeal to President Mahama frames the issue as a leadership challenge, urging decisive action to break the cycle of destruction and establish a safer environment for traders and the community.
Bentil’s remarks followed a recent devastating fire at Kantamanto Market, which ravaged a significant portion of the trading hub, leaving hundreds of traders displaced and their livelihoods shattered. The blaze, which erupted late at night, spread rapidly through the market, catching many off guard and leaving them with little time to salvage their goods. The suddenness of the fire and the resulting chaos underscored the vulnerability of the market and the lack of adequate preparedness for such emergencies. Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of panic and desperation as traders awoke to the inferno, struggling to save their wares from the rapidly advancing flames. The incident highlighted the human cost of these disasters, with traders losing their source of income and facing uncertain futures.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to the emergency, deploying thirteen fire tenders from across the Greater Accra Region in an attempt to contain the blaze. However, their efforts were significantly hampered by logistical challenges. The lack of readily accessible fire hydrants and the eventual depletion of their water supply proved to be critical obstacles, allowing the fire to regain strength and intensity. This operational setback underscored the inadequacy of the existing fire safety infrastructure and the challenges faced by firefighters in effectively combating such large-scale fires. GNFS spokesperson, ADO1 Alex King Nartey, acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing the fire as “very serious” and estimating that it could take up to two days to fully extinguish due to its intensity. While no casualties were reported, the extensive damage to the market and the disruption to the livelihoods of traders represent a significant blow to the community.
The recurring nature of market fires in Ghana raises serious questions about the country’s preparedness for such disasters and the effectiveness of existing safety measures. The repeated incidents at Kantamanto Market, in particular, point to a systemic failure to address underlying vulnerabilities and implement effective preventative measures. The lack of accessible fire hydrants, the challenges in quickly mobilizing sufficient resources, and the overall lack of fire safety awareness all contribute to the devastating consequences of these fires. These recurring events underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols and infrastructure, as well as a greater emphasis on preventative measures and community education.
Traders at Kantamanto Market, now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods, are appealing for immediate support and assistance. Many have lost everything they owned in the fire, leaving them with no source of income and an uncertain future. The devastating impact of these fires on the livelihoods of traders highlights the urgent need for effective disaster relief and recovery programs to support affected communities. Beyond immediate assistance, traders are calling for long-term solutions to prevent future incidents, including improved fire safety infrastructure, stricter enforcement of building codes, and greater public awareness of fire prevention measures.
The repeated occurrence of market fires in Ghana calls for a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to address the underlying issues. This includes investing in robust fire safety infrastructure, such as readily accessible fire hydrants and adequate firefighting equipment. It also necessitates stricter enforcement of building codes and safety regulations to minimize fire hazards in markets and other public spaces. Furthermore, raising public awareness about fire safety through education and community engagement is crucial to fostering a culture of prevention. Thorough investigations into the causes of these fires are also essential to identify patterns, address specific vulnerabilities, and develop targeted interventions. A collaborative effort involving government agencies, market authorities, traders, and the community at large is needed to create a safer environment and prevent future tragedies. Finally, implementing effective disaster relief and recovery programs to support affected communities is crucial to ensuring their resilience and long-term recovery.
