Police in Kumasi are on high alert following intelligence some unscrupulous persons plan to set the city’s central market ablaze.

More uniformed and plain-clothed personnel have been deployed to provide security at the facility which has been a scene of repeated fire outbreak for years.

In the first half of this year alone, Kumasi Central Market has witnessed three fire incidents in which property worth several thousands of cedis were destroyed.

Police say they have reliable information people he describes as disgruntled intend to burn West Africa’s biggest market facility.

The intelligence picked a few days ago has compelled police command to send more uniform and plain-clothed personnel on surveillance and guard duties in that market as police fish-out for the suspected arsonist.

Acting Commander for Manhyia Division, Superintendent Nana Dr. Samuel Nyamekye Adane-Ameyaw says the motive for the alleged plot is unclear but police are ready to avert any danger.

“We’ve gathered some intelligence that some people for whichever reason best known to themselves want to set the Kumasi Central Market ablaze. Central Market is a very big asset not only for Asanteman but for the whole nation. So for individual or group of persons  to say that they are embittered or for  which other reason they intend to set Central Market ablaze; infact it is a very serious thing  that we all need to look at it.

The police are on red alert and we have put the necessary security measures, infact we have beefed up the security.” Superintendent Nana Dr. Adane-Ameyaw revealed.

Supt. Adane-Ameyaw warns police will deal ruthlessly, to the extent of killing individuals and a group who will be found to be behind the alleged conspiracy.

“I am sounding a note of warning to anybody who has that intent and if the person gets there and we get him or her red handed, I for one I will make sure the person comes to the public dead because it is arson it’s a very serious crime.” Dr. Adane-Ameyaw warned.

He calls for collaboration between management of the market and city authorities for a coordinated security operation.