The Metro Director of the National Disaster of Management Organization (NADMO), James Obeng is calling for the prosecution of persons responsible for starting or causing market fires.
His call comes on the grounds of a fire outbreak that occurred at the Takoradi New Market on Monday, April 4, 2022, where items running into millions of cedis were destroyed.
Mr Obeng observed that for a very long time, the laws of the land have not prosecuted anyone caught setting fire in marketplaces.
According to the Organization’s assessment, a total of 258 stores comprising lockable, wooden and metal containers were damaged in the fire. However, 23 gas cylinders were retrieved from the fire with 3 of them exploding.
Though the cause of the fire is yet to be established, persons found culpable will be made to face the law.
As part of the recommendation, traders and market women have been prohibited from using gas cylinders and electrical gadgets like microwaves in their shops.
READ ALSO: https://beachfmonline.com/bogoso-appiate-explosion-about-95-of-houses-gone-nadmo-reveals/
“For now we are stopping the use of gas cylinders in the market. No person would be allowed to have even a microwave in their shops,” he stated.
Meanwhile, plans are in progress to rebuild the stores of affected traders to make it possible to bounce back to business.
He disclosed that the Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah has given affected traders’ an assurance of receiving support to get them back on their feet.
Mr Obeng further said, his outfit will continue to educate the women on safety protocols as well as install fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors to prevent future occurrences.
