The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched a National Inter-Market Fire Safety Competition aimed at promoting fire safety awareness and reducing the frequent occurrence of market fires across the country.

The initiative was officially launched on Thursday, January 15, at the Malata Market in Accra-Newtown, bringing together government officials, fire service personnel, market leaders, and traders.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, Dr Gideon Asamoah Tetteh, a Director at the Ministry of the Interior, commended the GNFS for introducing what he described as a timely and practical intervention.

He urged market leaders and traders to fully embrace the competition, stressing that preventing market fires requires collective effort and commitment.

He noted that sustained cooperation between traders, market authorities and emergency services is critical to eliminating the recurring fires that continue to destroy goods and livelihoods in markets across the country.

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the Ghana National Fire Service, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, described the launch as a significant step towards protecting markets, livelihoods and families.

According to her, the competition goes beyond winning prizes and focuses on learning, discipline and responsibility.

She encouraged traders to serve as fire safety ambassadors by adopting safe practices, including proper use of electricity, careful handling of gas and fuel, maintaining good housekeeping and responding promptly to fire incidents.

Although prizes will be awarded to participating markets, the CFO said that safety remains the ultimate reward. “A safe market means safe traders, protected goods and secured livelihoods,” she said.

The competition was formally launched by the Municipal Chief Executive of Ayawaso Central, Rudolph Collingwood-Williams, who used the occasion to announce plans to construct a fire post at the Mallam Atta Market.

His commitment was welcomed as a major step towards improving fire preparedness and emergency response within the municipality.

The event also featured a presentation by the Head of Special Projects, Mr Charles Ansong Dankyi, who highlighted the importance of insurance in helping traders recover after fire outbreaks. He encouraged traders to consider insurance coverage as part of their overall risk management strategy.

The Assembly Member for the Mallam Atta Electoral Area, Hon. Abubakar Moro, pledged his support for the initiative and assured the Fire Service of his readiness to work with stakeholders to improve safety standards in the markets.

The presence of senior officers of the Ghana National Fire Service, including Directors of the Service and the Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Kwame Nisawu Rashid, underscored the strong institutional support behind the programme.

Market leaders and traders present at the launch welcomed the initiative and pledged to implement all recommended fire safety measures, expressing their determination to make markets safer for both traders and customers.

The event was enlivened by musical performances from the GNFS Regimental Band, which entertained the audience and added colour to the ceremony.

The launch marked the beginning of what the Chief Fire Officer described as the “planting of a seed of fire safety” in markets across Ghana, with the aim of nurturing a lasting culture of prevention, preparedness and shared responsibility nationwide.