A History of Devastation
Market fires are not new to Ghana, but their frequency and impact have intensified in recent years, leaving countless traders in financial ruin.
Makola Market: In July 2021, a catastrophic fire caused losses estimated in millions of cedis. This marked just one of many such incidents over the last decade.
Kejetia Market: In March 2023, a significant fire disrupted activities, exposing gaps in fire safety at one of Ghana's largest markets.
Kantamanto Market: Repeated fires in 2013, 2017, and most recently in 2025 have destroyed goods worth millions and left recovery efforts wanting.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/181F1JsL8F/?mibextid=qi2OmgFire guts kantamanto market
These recurring tragedies underscore Ghana’s inability to effectively manage urban market spaces and safeguard livelihoods.
Underlying Causes of Market Fires
Market fires in Ghana stem from a combination of structural flaws, regulatory lapses, and unsafe practices:
1. Overcrowded and Poorly Planned Layouts
Congested stalls hinder emergency response efforts.
2. Faulty Electrical Systems
Widespread illegal connections and poorly maintained wiring are common culprits.
3. Insufficient Fire Safety Infrastructure
Most markets lack fire extinguishers, hydrants, and accessible emergency exits.
4. Combustible Waste Accumulation
Improper waste management creates fire hazards from materials like cardboard and plastics.
5. Unsafe Practices
Traders frequently use open flames for cooking or welding, increasing fire risks.
The Socioeconomic Toll
The consequences of market fires extend beyond the immediate destruction of goods and property:
Economic Losses: Traders, many of whom are sole breadwinners, lose their livelihoods overnight, impacting national economic stability.
Displacement: Thousands of traders face homelessness and financial insecurity.
Psychological Impact: Victims often suffer long-term trauma, exacerbating their hardships.
Global Lessons in Fire Prevention
Countries like Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea have successfully mitigated market fires through innovative strategies:
1. Rwanda
Comprehensive fire safety plans, community education, and fire-resistant building standards have significantly reduced market fires.
Rwanda has proactively addressed the challenge of market fires through a comprehensive strategy encompassing planning, technology, enforcement, and community engagement. Key measures include:
1. Development of a National Contingency Plan for Fire Incidents: The Rwandan government formulated a detailed contingency plan outlining prevention strategies, mitigation measures, and coordinated response actions for fire incidents. This plan emphasizes systematic risk assessments, public facility safety, and the establishment of clear roles and responsibilities among agencies involved in fire management.
2. Fire Safety Awareness Campaigns: The Rwanda National Police (RNP), through its Fire and Rescue Brigade (FRB), has intensified public education on fire emergencies and precautionary measures. These campaigns aim to sensitize communities, including market traders, about fire risks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
3. Fire Safety Training in Markets: The RNP has conducted fire safety drills and training sessions in various markets, such as the Gisozi 'Agakiriro' market. These initiatives equip traders and artisans with practical skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies, fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness.
4. Advancing Fire Safety Practices in Construction: Collaborations with organizations like MASS Design Group have focused on integrating fire safety engineering best practices into building designs. This approach ensures that new constructions, including market facilities, adhere to fire safety standards, thereby reducing potential hazards.
5. Implementation of Fire Safety Standards in Public Buildings: Rwanda has proposed standards addressing ignitability and burning behavior in public buildings. These standards set fire safety requirements to enhance the resilience of structures against fire incidents, contributing to overall public safety.
6. Community Engagement and Education: Beyond formal training, there is an emphasis on community involvement in fire safety. Educational programs targeting young people and local communities aim to instill a proactive attitude towards fire prevention and response.
Through this multifaceted approach, Rwanda has made significant strides in mitigating the risk of market fires, safeguarding lives, and protecting economic assets.
2. Singapore
Strict zoning laws, mandatory electrical inspections, and enhanced enforcement ensure market safety.
Singapore enforced strict zoning laws and mandatory inspections for all electrical systems in public markets.
In Singapore, strict zoning laws and mandatory inspections for electrical systems in public markets are part of the country's broader strategy to ensure safety, order, and efficient use of space in its urban environment. Here's more about these measures:
1. Zoning Laws in Public Markets
Purpose: Zoning laws regulate land use and layout within public markets to ensure orderly operations, hygiene, and safety. These laws categorize areas for specific purposes, such as food stalls, retail, and storage.
Benefits:
Prevents overcrowding and minimizes fire hazards.
Ensures proper ventilation and compliance with hygiene standards.
Facilitates efficient crowd management and emergency response.
2. Mandatory Electrical Inspections
Why It’s Necessary: Public markets often house various vendors using electrical equipment, such as refrigerators, cooking appliances, and lighting. Faulty or overloaded systems can pose significant fire risks.
Inspection Requirements:
Regular checks for compliance with electrical safety standards.
Ensuring wiring and installations meet the Singapore Standards (SS).
Identification and rectification of potential hazards like overloaded circuits or exposed wiring.
Enforcement:
Non-compliance can lead to fines, suspension of operations, or revocation of licenses.
Vendors may need to upgrade systems to meet safety requirements.
3. Government Oversight
Managed by agencies like the Housing and Development Board (HDB) or the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Collaboration with energy providers to ensure stable and safe power supply.
4. Impact on Public Markets
Increased safety for vendors and customers, reducing incidents of electrical fires or malfunctions.
Boosts consumer confidence, as well-maintained markets are perceived as safer and more reliable.
Encourages vendors to invest in energy-efficient and compliant electrical appliances.
Singapore’s proactive approach to zoning and electrical safety reflects its broader emphasis on sustainability, safety, and smart urban planning, maintaining its reputation as one of the safest and most efficient cities in the world.
3. South Korea
Market-based response teams equipped with trained personnel and strategically placed firefighting equipment effectively prevent and mitigate fires.
South Korea: Established market-based response teams with trained personnel and strategically located fire equipment.
South Korea has adopted an innovative approach to improving safety in public markets by establishing market-based response teams equipped with trained personnel and strategically located fire equipment. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to disaster preparedness, particularly in densely populated and high-risk areas like traditional markets. Here's an in-depth look:
1. Market-Based Response Teams
Composition:
Teams consist of local vendors, market operators, and trained personnel from fire services.
Volunteers from the community are also encouraged to participate.
Training:
Firefighting techniques and first aid.
Evacuation procedures and crowd control.
Regular drills to simulate real-life emergency scenarios.
Roles:
First responders to contain fires until professional firefighters arrive.
Coordinators for evacuating people and ensuring orderly responses.
Monitors for identifying and reporting potential fire hazards.
2. Strategically Located Fire Equipment
Placement:
Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and hose reels are installed in accessible locations within the market.
Smoke detectors and automatic sprinklers are deployed in high-risk zones.
Purpose:
Minimize response time during emergencies.
Provide immediate tools for suppression of small fires.
Maintenance:
Regular inspections and maintenance to ensure functionality.
Vendors are trained to use fire equipment effectively.
3. Impact on Public Markets
Enhanced Safety: Quick response reduces the severity of fires and protects lives and property.
Community Empowerment: Vendors and market operators feel more confident and prepared to handle emergencies.
Economic Stability: Prevents prolonged market closures due to fire damage, protecting livelihoods.
4. Government Support
Managed by agencies like the National Fire Agency (NFA) in collaboration with local governments.
Financial support for installing fire equipment and conducting training programs.
Policies encouraging market modernization, including the adoption of fire-resistant building materials.
5. Case Studies
South Korea’s efforts have proven effective, especially in areas like Seoul’s Namdaemun Market, where response teams and fire equipment have successfully minimized damage during incidents. These measures also serve as a model for other countries looking to enhance safety in traditional marketplaces.
By empowering local communities and integrating technology, South Korea ensures that its markets remain vibrant, safe, and resilient.
A Strategic Roadmap for Ghana
Ghana can adopt a multi-faceted approach to address the menace of market fires:
1. Modernize Market Infrastructure
Upgrade electrical systems, ensuring professional installations and regular inspections.
Utilize fireproof construction materials and implement clear zoning to separate high-risk activities.
2. Enhance Fire Safety Systems
Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
Ensure the availability of portable firefighting equipment in accessible locations.
3. Improve Waste Management
Establish structured waste collection systems to reduce combustible materials.
Encourage recycling initiatives to minimize waste.
4. Provide Training and Education
Organize mandatory fire safety workshops and regular evacuation drills for traders.
Train market-based volunteer firefighting teams to act as first responders.
5. Strengthen Policies and Enforcement
Conduct regular inspections of market facilities and enforce compliance with fire safety regulations.
Impose penalties on traders or market managers who fail to meet safety standards.
6. Leverage Technology
Install CCTV cameras and IoT sensors to monitor and detect potential hazards in real-time.
Deploy automated fire detection systems to provide early warnings.
7. Collaborate with Stakeholders
Secure funding and technical support from government bodies, private partners, and development organizations.
Promote market-wide insurance schemes to mitigate financial losses from fire incidents.
8. Establish a National Fire Prevention Fund
Allocate resources to support fire prevention projects, market upgrades, and victim rehabilitation.
9. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Conduct annual assessments of market safety and update strategies as needed to incorporate global best practices.
The Way Forward
The recurring fires at Kantamanto, Makola, and other markets highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that modernizes infrastructure, enforces regulations, and involves community participation, Ghana can transform its markets into safe, resilient trading spaces.
The cost of inaction is too high. It is time for all stakeholders—government, traders, fire services, and development partners—to unite in addressing this pressing issue. Ghana’s markets must evolve from arenas of tragedy to engines of growth and opportunity.