Government alarmed by fire outbreaks

Interior Minister, Kwesi Ahwoi says recent fire outbreaks in the markets have reached an alarming proportion, and called for a concerted effort to confront the upsurge of fire eruption in the country.

In the past six weeks, the Odododiodio constituency alone has witnessed six market fires.

Mr Ahwoi who visited Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Makola No.2 told Joy News “I think this is quite worrying and alarming, and we need to get to the bottom of it and put a stop to it.”

Though he admitted it was too early to call, he said the government would not rule out possible arson.

He is, therefore, appealing to traders at the various market centres to support the security agencies with leading information so that they can act proactively to forestall the activities of arsonists.

Nevertheless, the Minister announced that the government is coming up with “security solutions” to the spate of fire outbreaks, but he will not disclose the details.

Kwesi Ahwoi said the government is also considering how to reactivate the lives of victims in collaboration with the AMA, SSNIT and market managers.

He stated that, government is on track to support NADMO to enable them assist victims in the wake of disasters, adding, “budget has just been sorted out; we are now getting NADMO to prepare itself in terms of budgetary release to enable them now come out in full force”.

He said NADMO would not only be equipped but would also be supported to engage in vigorous public education on how to prevent disaster and how to put out fire when it occurs.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo and Deputy Trade Minister, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije is alleging that saboteurs are behind recent market fires in his constituency.

“I don’t believe this one is a natural occurrence, six fires all in markets within one month? I don’t believe so,” Nii Lantey Vanderpuije told Joy News.