The Speaker of Parliament has directed a joint committee on Defence and Interior, as well as Local Government, to investigate the recent spate of fire outbreaks in markets across the country and report back urgently.

This directive follows a devastating fire at Adum, which resulted in the loss of properties worth millions of Ghana cedis.

Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, expressed deep concern over the destruction suffered by traders and urged the government to provide immediate support.

“In my interaction with affected traders and eyewitnesses, it was revealed that this fire was allegedly triggered by 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,” he stated.

He further appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders, including the international community, to assist the affected traders in rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.

In response, the Speaker tasked the joint committee to thoroughly examine the causes of the fires, particularly those in markets such as Kantamanto, Asafo, and Kejetia, among others.

“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,” the Speaker directed.

Read also: Adum fire victims to receive GHs600k immediate support