Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Metropolitan Chief Executive, has called for concerted efforts to mitigate the effects of fires that continue to cause havoc in the metropolis.

Dr Vanderpuije made the call at a meeting with stakeholders to outline preventive fire measures put in place by the Metropolitan Security Committee (METSEC) on Wednesday.

Dr Vanderpuije, who is also the Chairman of METSEC, said so far 60 fires had been recorded in Accra which resulted in three deaths and destruction of properties.

He advised against obstruction of walkways with building and other structures, which makes it difficult to fight fires or deal with other emergencies.

“Most fire disasters are preventable if we put in place mitigating measures, hence the importance of fire management in our national life,” he said.

He gave the assurance that Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would not relent in its efforts to support Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and National Disaster Management Organisation in managing all forms of disasters.

Dr Vanderpuije urged the communities to involve themselves in efforts to ensure safety and securing of properties.

He said the AMA would engage contractors to disconnect all illegal electrical connections within the markets.

“No industrial machines and combustible items would be allowed to be installed in any market without approval from the GNFS and the Electricity Company of Ghana.”

Dr Vanderpuije mentioned other measures such as periodic awareness and simulation training that would be undertaken by GNFS, AMA, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces and National Ambulance Service.

He said the Environmental Health Officers would also embark on regular inspection of bars and hotels to ensure compliance with standards and provision of suitability certificate issued by the Town and Country Planning Department.

Mr Albert Brown Gaizie, Chief Fire Officer expressed worry about the negative behaviours of some  people, which he said were some of the causes of fires in the homes and markets.

He urged the people to heed advice of experts on good fire management to ensure security and safety, adding that the economic loss, resulting from fires were enormous and that the menace should be prevented.

Mr Gaizie said obstruction to emergencies due to negligence of the community members; traffic situation and unco-operated attitudes by motorists were some of the challenges in the metropolis.

“We cannot allow destruction of properties due to negligence and it is a call on all of us to address the situation,” he said.

The Chief Fire Officer warned fire personnel in the country not to involve themselves in fire certificate syndicate or face dismissal when caught.

“Don’t compromise fire standards, ensure that the people conform to all safety measures,” He advised.