In a proactive move to prevent potential fire outbreaks at markets in the Western region, traders at the Sekondi Market have agreed to close their businesses by 5 p.m. daily.
This new initiative is part of a series of measures aimed at improving fire safety and security at the market.
The decision follows a series of devastating fires at markets across the country, including the recent blaze at the Kantamanto Market in Accra, the Wood Market in Kumasi and another in Techiman.
From this backdrop President John Mahama directed the Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service to increase security measures at all marketplaces.
Nana Krah, the Queen Mother of Sekondi Market, explained that the new closing time aligns with the President’s directives, allowing security personnel to conduct thorough patrols and prevent any potential incidents of arson.
“Fire has gutted this market before and we don’t want it to happen again so we have instructed that by 5:00 clock the market, besides any person who uses fire for her operation should desist from using when it is 4 o’clock,” she said.
She revealed that, currently, officials of the Ghana National Fire Service are embarking on a surveillance exercise, detecting faulty wiring at the various stalls.
She urged all traders to strictly adhere to the new guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the market.
“This is the only market that we have so I’m entreating my fellow market women, to abide with the 5 o’clock closure directives and help protect the market,” she advised.
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