The Central Regional Fire Service Commander, ACFOI Merinda Mary Attigah Mensah, has raised concern over the growing number of fire outbreaks across the region, describing the trend as alarming.
According to her, the frequent incidents—many of which have destroyed shops and livelihoods—have prompted the Regional Fire Command to step up public education, particularly among traders.
As part of this effort, the Service organised a fire safety sensitisation campaign at the Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast.
The programme featured a quiz competition involving traders from major market centres, including Kasoa, Mankessem and Kotokuraba, aimed at testing their knowledge of basic fire prevention and safety practices.
Speaking in an interview with Sompa TV’s Eric Annan after the event, ACFOI Attigah Mensah said the initiative was designed to equip traders with practical skills to manage fire outbreaks, especially in busy market environments.
She explained that the campaign focuses on training traders to use basic firefighting tools, such as fire extinguishers, to control small fires before they escalate.
She noted that recent fire incidents, particularly in Kasoa, have become a major concern.
The Mayor of Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, who attended the programme, commended the Fire Service for the initiative.
He urged traders to take the lessons seriously and apply them in their daily activities.
“I’m impressed by today’s programme by the Regional Fire Service Command.
I encourage all traders to treat the knowledge shared here as essential to their work,” he said.
The Queen Mother of the Kotokuraba Market, Nana Araba Akyere, also underscored the devastating impact of fire outbreaks, describing fire as a destructive force that can wipe out years of hard work.
She expressed optimism that the campaign would improve awareness and help traders respond effectively in emergencies.
She added that the market leadership has already put preventive measures in place, including a strict ban on the use of open flames within the market to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.