Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi are uneasy about the recent fire outbreaks in some big markets in the country early this month.

President of the Federation of Traders at Kejetia Market, Nana Akwasi Prempeh, says the traders have been apprehensive since the fire outbreaks at the Katamanto, Kwadaso Wood Market and Tamale Timber Market.

"Before the elections we were hearing about some people planning arson in the market, so we were always on high alert," he stated.

He said following the fire incidents in some major markets, the leadership of the traders union alerted the security agencies, especially the police and fire service, for the Kejetia market to be placed on high alert.

"Since then they have beefed up their security, including police patrols during the night and a standby fire service team to curtail any unfortunate events," he expressed.

According to Nana Prempeh, a space gutted by fire in the market two years ago has yet to be repaired, leaving affected traders abandoned.

"Our fellow traders who were affected last two years ago haven't received any support and they are still in the house hoping that one day someone will come to their aid," he said.

Nana Prempeh traders have appealed to the metropolitan coordinating director, management of the Kejetia market and the government to hold an emergency meeting of all stakeholders to ensure the traders comply with the time of opening and closing the market.

"We might not know that bad person who may enter into the market pretending to be a trader, so if we enforce the by-laws, by 7pm every trader must leave the market for the security agencies to take over the market," he said.

The Ashanti region officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has cautioned the public, especially traders in congested markets to take the necessary precautions to prevent fire outbreaks, following recent fire incidents