Kumasi Market Fire: Minister orders arrest of careless truck driver

The Ashanti Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Committee Simon Osei-Mensah has directed police to arrest the lawlessness truck driver who actions caused the latest fire incident at the Kumasi Central market.

Shop owners and traders are pointing accusing fingers at a truck loaded with mattresses blaming the driver for causing Monday’s fire outbreak which resulted in the burning down of several stores

According to the traders of Kumasi Central market, the driver ignored the orders of a police officer on duty after he was stopped from parking at a particular location when it was detected that the goods he was transporting could touch some high tension electrical cables and may spark fire.

The driver who is currently at large was said to have told the traders to stop raising their usual false alarm claiming to have experience in driving than them.

The Regional Minister and the Kumasi Mayor Osei Assibey Antwi visited the scene to assess things for themselves calling on the police to arrest drivers with insecure loading henceforth.

Mr. Simon Osei Mensah also warned traders to immediately stop plying their business in unauthorized places to forestall unforeseen accidents.

He hinted that authorities will from next week will carry out a decongestion exercise to ensure the free flow of traffic within the Central Business District.