Traders in Tamale have taken part in an inter-market fire safety quiz competition aimed at reducing the growing threat of market fires in the Northern region. The initiative, organized by the Northern regional command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), forms part of efforts to strengthen fire prevention and preparedness among traders operating in the metropolis.
The maiden event was held at the Tamale central market and brought together traders, market leaders, fire officers and officials from the Tamale metropolitan assembly. Markets represented at the competition included Kukuo, Central, Aboabo, Kalpohin and Lamashegu.
Addressing participants, Northern regional fire officer ACFO1 Joseph Koranteng described fire outbreaks as one of the most destructive disasters facing trading communities, particularly in congested market environments.
He said electrical faults and human negligence remain leading causes of fires, often resulting in devastating losses.
Market fires continue to destroy livelihoods and investments, he noted, pointing to previous incidents in major trading centers such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Koforidua.
According to him, the recurrence of such incidents underscores the need for sustained preventive measures and stronger community involvement.
ACFO Koranteng stressed that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, urging traders and transport operators to take fire safety education seriously, particularly during the dry season when outbreaks are more common.
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.
Although the Service has conducted years of sensitization campaigns, he said market fires persist, making it necessary to evaluate the impact of public education through interactive initiatives such as the quiz competition.
He further encouraged traders to equip their shops with fire extinguishers and basic firefighting tools to help contain outbreaks at an early stage, describing the competition as both a contest and a learning opportunity.
The Mayor of Tamale, Abu Takoro, commended the fire service for what he called an innovative approach to public education. He said fire safety goes beyond emergency response and must focus on prevention and awareness creation.
Describing markets as the “economic heartbeat” of the metropolis, he assured the fire service of the assembly’s support in strengthening inspections, improving infrastructure and sustaining public education efforts.
At the end of the competition, Lamashegu market emerged as winners, with other participating markets receiving commendation for their 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.
BY: ADDY KENNEDY EDEM
