Traders Warned: Kantamanto Market Reconstruction Prohibited

The Greater Accra Regional Fire Service has cautioned victims of the Kantamanto market fire against immediately reconstructing the destroyed structures.

This warning comes after attempts to rebuild the market, which was ravaged by a devastating fire that destroyed thousands of shops.

According to ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, victims must seek professional advice on fire precautions before rebuilding to avoid another fire incident.

Nisawu emphasized that without proper guidance, the risk of another fire remains high, and victims will be forced to “tell the same story” of loss and destruction.

“As we speak, I have spoken to them, the authorities and I have made them aware that if they have not come for professional advice and go on with the reconstruction [and] if they are not lucky and one day there is fire, they will be telling the same story.

“The last time the minister came to sympathise with them, I suggested that even if they have to construct, they have to come for advice, and then we give them standardise structures and the type of materials that they should use. But I cannot go in there and force them,” he stated.

Meanwhile, ACFO II Rashid Nisawu dismissed claims by some victims that fire officers visited the fire scene with petrol to escalate the inferno

“As for the people making allegations that we poured petrol on the fire at the time we attempted to bring the situation under control, that is the reason we are holding this press conference to explain to the people of Ghana.

“Why on earth should anybody put petrol in a fire tender and pour it on the fire? Even if you take petrol there, you will get burnt yourself… So that is unfortunate, to say the least,” he stated.

Key Concerns and Recommendations

– Fire Precautions: Victims must seek professional advice on fire precautions before rebuilding.
– Standardized Structures: The Fire Service will provide guidance on standardized structures and materials to ensure safety.
– Collaboration: Nisawu urged victims to collaborate with the Fire Service to prevent future incidents.

Nisawu also addressed allegations that fire officers had poured petrol on the fire to escalate the inferno, dismissing them as “unfortunate” and “untrue.” He explained that it would be illogical and dangerous for fire officers to use petrol to fight a fire, as it would put themselves and others at risk.

 

Baina Multimedia/ Khadijahtu Kubura Kailani

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