Second Deputy ​Speaker of Parliament directs probe into rising market fires

Second deputy ​Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, has tasked a joint committee—comprising members from the Defence and Interior Committee and the Local Government Committee—to conduct an urgent investigation into the recent surge in market fires across the country.

His directive follows a devastating fire at the Central Business District of Adum, which led to the destruction of properties worth millions of Ghana cedis.

Amoako Asiamah underscored the importance of thoroughly examining the causes of these fires, particularly those that have affected major markets such as Kantamanto and Kejetia.

“They are to look into these market fire outbreaks, determine the causes, and possibly recommend appropriate remedies for adoption by the House. The committee should submit its report in the first week of the second meeting,” he stated.

The second deputy Speaker's directive came after the issue was raised on the floor of Parliament by Subin MP, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, who expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by traders and called for urgent government intervention.

“In my interaction with affected traders and eyewitnesses, it was revealed that this fire was allegedly triggered by a power outage, ‘dumsor.’ Power had been out, and the moment electricity was restored, it sparked and ignited the fire. Mr. Speaker, this is most unfortunate considering how far we have come as a nation,” Obiri Yeboah emphasized.

He further appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders, including the international community, to provide support to the affected traders to help them rebuild their livelihoods.

—citinewsroom