The Northern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service has began patrols across all major markets in Tamale and other districts in the region.
The move is necessitated by the sudden surge in market fires in some parts of the country, by which President John Dramani Mahama, has made a clarion call for market patrol teams to be activated across the country.
The GNFS Northern Regional Public Relations Officer, Assistant Divisional Officer, ADO II Hudu Baba, who confirmed the commencement of the exercise in a statement said, it is worth noting that this activity has been done annually in the Northern Region, specifically during the Harmattan season when fire outbreaks are at its pike.
He noted that the patrol teams will not only ensure safety but also use their presence in the markets to educate business owners on how to maintain fire safety and protect their establishments from potential fire hazards.
Among the markets patrolled in the Northern Region include the Tamale Aboabo Market, the Tamale Central Market, Kukuo Market and the Lamanshegu Market.
Mr. Baba revealed teams have also been activated to carry out the exercise in the Bimbila, Yendi, Savelugu, Tolon and Saboba markets in addition to the regional major markets.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service recorded 72 fires in December 2024 and two significant market fires in early January 2025.
This involved the GSL African Limited warehouse at Zogbeli and the Tamale Timber Market both of which were engulfed in flames the same day.
To counter this phenomenon, ADO II Hudu Baba stated that the Regional Command has stepped up its Fire Safety Education drive, targeting shop owners, businessmen and women and Station boys at night in the market to protect these markets from potential fire outbreaks.
