The Tema Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has recorded 616 fire outbreaks in 2024, a 15% increase from the 533 cases in 2023. In response, the command is set to review its fire prevention strategy to enhance safety. Speaking in an interview after a fire prevention education exercise at a slum and the Community 1 market, Tema Regional Public Relations Officer, DOIII Ebenezer Yenzu, attributed the surge in fires to multiple factors.
He also pointed to the rise of slums as a contributing factor. The increase in fire incidents has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of cedis. Despite these concerns, the GNFS cannot independently carry out demolitions in fire-prone areas, as this responsibility lies with metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.
As part of its prevention efforts, the fire team engaged residents at Community 5000, traders at the Community 1 market, and drivers at the Community 10 taxi rank. To curb market fires, he advised traders to:
Turn off fans before leaving their stalls.
Ensure charcoal is properly extinguished with water.
Dispose of coal pot ashes safely.
Shut off gas cylinders when leaving the market or home.
Taxi drivers were urged to keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles and were trained on how to handle vehicle fires. Residents expressed gratitude for the intensified fire prevention efforts. In case of a fire emergency, residents were advised to call 192, 112, or 0303202554, with these emergency contacts being pasted on structures during the exercise.
