GOVERNMENT INSTALLS 1,370 Fire EXTINGUISHERS, SETS UP TEMPORARY FIRE STATION AT KANTAMANTO

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, says government has rolled out urgent safety measures at the Kantamanto Market following the fire incident last year.  

Appearing before Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee, Hon. Ibrahim said the interventions are aimed at protecting traders and preventing future fire outbreaks at the market.  

“Following actions have so far been undertaken. We have installed one thousand three hundred and seventy fire extinguishers across all sections in the Kantamanto markets,” he told the committee. 

According to the Minister, government, in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional Fire Service, has Installed 1,370 fire extinguishers across all sections of Kantamanto, Trained 682 traders on the proper use of fire extinguishers  

Also Sensitized over 12,000 market members on fire safety and prevention, Operationalized a temporary fire station at the market by the Ghana National Fire Service  and Deployed daily security patrols by market security engaged by the OR Foundation  

Hon. Ibrahim noted that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly has plans to install smoke detectors as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade. He added that fireballs will also be installed in high-risk zones.  

However, he said the installation of smoke detectors is currently on hold.  
“Honourable chair, currently the installation of the smoke detectors is on hold. ECG operational delays have affected businesses in the market and also stalled progress,” he explained.  

The Minister assured Parliament that the Ministry will continue to work with the AMA, Fire Service, and other stakeholders to complete all outstanding safety works at Kantamanto and other major markets nationwide.