Traders at the Asawinso market have been crowned champions of the Inter Market Fire Safety Quiz held in Sefwi-Wiawso on Wednesday, March 11.
Organized by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the programme was aimed at educating traders on how to implement stronger safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks, particularly in markets.
The competition which focuses mainly on fire prevention and safety practices in markets, featured two major markets within the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality. They include Dwinase main market and Asawinso main market.
At the end of the competition, Asawinso market traders emerged victorious with 111 points while Dwinase scored 100 points respectively.
It is worth noting that prior to the completion, a series of training workshops were held at the various markets. These workshops form part of the GNFS efforts to strengthen its sensitisation programmes at the grassroots level.
Speaking to 3news, the Regional Commander of the GNFS, ACFO I Philip Kudzo Amagnoh said there is the need for the Service to sensitise the people in the various markets and educate them about the need to have safety activities in their market to help prevent occurrence of fire.
He added that the training also equips participants with the necessary skills to manage small fires before they escalate.
Reacting to the quiz competition, the Commander expressed satisfaction with the outcome of both the contest and the proceeding training sessions.
He noted that although the participants had no professional background in firefighting,they demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn and perform creditably during the contest.
Meanwhile, the market women were overwhelmed and saw the need to fight fire before they escalate.
They stressed that this education would go a long way to help other market women. They added they will preach the need and educate others on what they learnt.
By Mathew Ahiaveh
