Major markets in Brong-Ahafo Region to get security posts
The Brong Ahafo Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in collaboration with the Brong-Ahafo Regional Police are to mount a 24-hour security and fire prevention post at all major markets in the Region.
The posts would be mounted in the markets at Sunyani, Techiman and Berekum.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Kwame Larbi Apraku, Brong-Ahafo Regional Fire Officer, speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani on Wednesday, said the collaboration was part of efforts to protect major markets in the Region from any fire outbreak as had occurred in some markets in the country.
He said four fire service personnel and police personnel would be on duty at any given time and would use the opportunity to educate market women on the use of gas and other equipment that could cause fire and also ensure that all illegal electrical connections were disconnected.
ACFO Larbi said the police presence was to ensure the enforcement of law and because of lack of accommodation, the personnel on duty would be temporarily operating from a tent provided by the National Disaster Management Orgnisation (NADMO).
He said feasibility studies have been undertaken at the markets to clear wooden structures for the installation of the posts.
ACFO Larbi said all Municipal and District Fire Officers have been directed to acquire offices at the major markets to provide adequate preventive measures.
He said the offices at the markets would also serve as information centres to inform and receive information on existing security challenges.
He expressed concern about the domestic fire outbreaks in the Region and said available records reveal that between January–April this year 472 fires had occurred compared to 592 during the whole of 2012.
ACFO Larbi appealed to the general public to collaborate with the GNFS and the police as they seek to prevent fires to save lives and property in the society.
Source: GNA