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The Northern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched an inter-market fire safety quiz competition in Tamale as part of efforts to strengthen fire prevention and preparedness among traders.
The maiden event, held at the Tamale Central Market, brought together traders, market leaders, fire officers and officials of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. Participating markets included Kukuo, Central, Aboabo, Kalpohin and Lamashegu.
Addressing participants, Northern Regional Fire Officer, ACFO I Joseph Koranteng, described fire outbreaks as one of the most destructive disasters, particularly in congested market environments where electrical faults and human negligence frequently spark incidents.
He noted that recurrent market fires across major trading centres such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Koforidua have led to the loss of lives, goods, businesses and livelihoods, underscoring the need for sustained preventive measures.
ACFO Koranteng stressed that fire prevention is a shared responsibility and urged traders and transport operators to take fire safety education seriously, especially during the dry season when outbreaks are more prevalent.
He outlined a series of interventions being rolled out by the Command, including market safety audits, routine patrols, intensified public education campaigns, the establishment of fire posts in major markets and periodic quiz competitions to assess traders’ knowledge.
According to him, although the Service has sustained sensitisation efforts over the years, market fires continue to occur, making it necessary to evaluate the impact of education through stakeholder engagement initiatives such as the quiz.
He further advised traders to equip their shops with fire extinguishers and basic firefighting tools to help contain outbreaks at their early stages, encouraging participants to treat the competition as both a contest and a learning platform.
The Mayor of Tamale, Abu Takoro, commended the Fire Service for what he described as an innovative approach to public education. He emphasised that fire safety extends beyond emergency response to prevention and awareness creation.
He described markets as the economic heartbeat of the metropolis and assured the Fire Service of the Assembly’s support in strengthening inspections, improving infrastructure and sustaining fire safety education.
At the end of the competition, Lamashegu Market emerged winner, with the other participating markets receiving commendation for their active involvement. Representatives of the winning team expressed appreciation to the Fire Service and called for more such programmes to deepen traders’ understanding of fire risks and safety practices.
Source: Ghana/channel247online.com/AdiebugaPhilemon
