President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to the National Security to bolster security at major markets across Ghana, in a bid to prevent the alarming spate of market fires that have plagued the nation this year. The directive also tasks the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) with strategically deploying fire tenders near markets during the night to ensure rapid response to potential fires.
The President expressed his concerns during a meeting with traders from the Kantamanto Market, who recently suffered devastating losses after their wares were destroyed in a fire on January 1. Acknowledging the economic and emotional toll on the traders, he noted the troubling frequency of such incidents, particularly their recurrence under unusual circumstances.
“I remember it happened before in 2013, when I was newly sworn in. There were market fires in almost every major market, which was highly unusual,” President Mahama recounted.
Suspicion of arson amid fire crisis
While President Mahama acknowledged that some of these fires could be attributed to electrical faults, he emphasized that the possibility of arson could not be dismissed. He pointed to the pattern of night-time fires as a suspicious trend, stating, “These fires do not seem to occur during the day when the markets are occupied, which raises serious questions.”
As part of preventive measures, the President has directed the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in major markets. These cameras will serve as surveillance tools to monitor activities within the markets and assist authorities in identifying and apprehending any individuals who may be involved in setting fires.
Four major fires in 2025
Since the start of the year, Ghana has witnessed four major market fires, causing significant economic losses and displacing hundreds of traders.
These are Kantamanto Market Fire: January 1, Kumasi Timber Market Fire: January 4, Tamale Timber Market Fire: January 7 and Techiman Central Market Fire: January 12
These incidents have reignited fears among traders and market operators, who have called on the government to take swift and decisive action to protect their livelihoods.
Coordinated efforts for prevention
In response to the fires, President Mahama has emphasized the need for a coordinated approach between the GNFS and the National Security. He highlighted the importance of night-time fire tender deployments as a precautionary measure and called for market authorities to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure the safety of their facilities.
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively, balancing preventive measures with the readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies.
The affected traders at Kantamanto Market expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and called for expedited action to rebuild the market and provide support for their recovery.
As the government takes steps to mitigate the recurrence of these incidents, all eyes remain on the effectiveness of the new measures and the ability of authorities to ensure the safety and security of Ghana’s markets.
By Selorm Gborbidzi, Accra
