
The Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) is advocating for strict regulation and enforcement of fire safety standards, including adherence to building codes and regulations during the design, construction and maintenance of markets and other public structures.
The association is further stressing the importance of frequent fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with standards and the imposition of penalties on businesses that fail to adhere to safety regulations, requiring them to take corrective actions.
In a statement jointly signed by Planner Gifty Nyarko, the Interim National President and Planner Kwabena Asiedu-Bediako, the interim Vice President of LoGSAPP and copied to the media in Sunyani, the association called for proper planning of markets across the country, organizing market structures into clearly defined sections to minimize the risk of fire spreading quickly and ensure fire-free public spaces.
Waste management
The statement recommended effective waste management practices and a well-organized working environment to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials and suggested designating high-risk areas, such as those dealing with chemicals or cooking, for special attention and equipping them with fire safety measures.
LoGSAPP also called for regular fire safety training for market vendors and staff on fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment necessary to prevent future fire outbreaks.
The statement emphasized the need for intensified educational campaigns to raise awareness about fire risks and safety measures in communities and highlighted the importance of regular fire drills and evacuation protocols to familiarize vendors in various markets with safety procedures.
It proposed the establishment of Fire Response Units and emergency protocols within the markets.
“This would include the training of local personnel to respond promptly before professional fire services arrive, as well as strengthening partnerships with local fire departments to ensure they are well-equipped and familiar with the market layout”, the statement said.
The statement again recommended emergency exit routes be clearly marked and easily accessible and emphasized the need for relevant stakeholders and authorized agencies to conduct regular inspections of electrical wiring to avoid short circuits and overloads, improve smoke detectors and fire alarms in key areas for early detection.
The enhancement of fire safety infrastructure, including the installation of sprinkler systems in strategic market locations were also required to deal with such incidents.
Risk assessments
LoGSAPP also suggested regular fire risk assessments and disaster recovery planning to identify vulnerable areas and implement mitigation strategies and noted the disaster recovery plan would provide financial and logistical support to those affected by market fires and encouraged vendors to obtain insurance for their goods and property to minimize financial losses.
“There is the need for authorized agencies in disaster management and prevention to foster collaboration and community engagement with local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to implement fire prevention initiatives”, LoGSAPP further noted.
LoGSAPP described the current fire incidents as "tragic events causing considerable hardship for traders and their families," therefore demanded thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of recent fire outbreaks, including those at the Kantamanto market.
LoGSAPP noted that such incidents disrupt the local economy and the broader community’s way of life, causing financial lost to the state, put pressure on national resources and causes significant damage to vital commercial spaces that provide livelihoods for many, hence, demanded accountability from responsible parties.
Sympathy
LoGSAPP expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire, offering their deepest condolences to the affected vendors and their families.
The statement said LoGSAPP (urban planners) understands the critical importance of ensuring that markets are safely managed, properly structured and capable of withstanding emergencies.
LoGSAPP believes that together, "we can rebuild stronger and safer markets that will serve as secure and sustainable centers for all", therefore remains fully committed to working with local authorities, stakeholders, and other relevant organizations to prevent future fire disasters and address the needs of affected individuals.