Ghana Must Learn From Kantamanto Tragedy To Reform Market Safety Systems – Occupational Safety Expert

Kwabena Frimpong, an Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management expert, has proposed comprehensive safety reforms to prevent tragedies like the recent Kantamanto Market fire.

He emphasized the need for electrical audits, emergency preparedness training for traders, and improved waste management systems as crucial steps to mitigate fire risks in Ghana’s markets.

The devastating 2 January fire at the West Africa’s biggest secondhand clothing hub, left traders and business owners with significant losses. Eventhough some traders have started rebuilding their shops, Mr Kwabena Frimpong stressed the urgent call for action.

He noted in a statement that factors such as electrical faults, flammable materials, improper waste management, and limited safety infrastructure often contribute to such incidents. Frimpong also raised concerns about the possibility of arson, highlighting motivations ranging from financial struggles to land development ambitions.

Frimpong recommended structural upgrades to markets, incorporating fire-resistant materials, accessible hydrants, and clear emergency exits. He also advocated for forming market safety committees to oversee safety measures and liaise with authorities. Additionally, he urged market stakeholders to enhance security by employing round-the-clock personnel and installing monitored CCTV cameras to deter malicious activities.

 

Read the full statement below

For Immediate Release

Statement on Kantamanto Market Fire: Addressing Causes, Prevention, and Recovery

As an Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management expert, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the traders and business owners who have been severely affected by the fire that devastated parts of the Kantamanto Market on January 2nd,2024. The loss of livelihoods, goods, and years of hard work is a tragedy not only for the individuals involved but for the entire nation.

Likely Causes of the Fire

Based on initial observations and general market dynamics, fires of this nature are often caused by a combination of:

1. Electrical Faults: Poor wiring systems, overloaded circuits, and lack of routine maintenance are significant contributors to market fires.

2. Flammable Materials: Markets like Kantamanto often have high concentrations of flammable goods, such as textiles, cardboard, and plastics, which exacerbate the spread of fire.

3. Improper Waste Management: Accumulated waste can act as fuel for fires, making them harder to control.

4. Limited Safety Infrastructure: Inadequate fire extinguishers, absence of fire hydrants, and poor access for fire services delay response times and amplify damage.

5. Incident of Arson use;
Arson is the intentional act of setting fire to a property, such as a building, vehicle, or other structure. Eventhough, it’s serious crime that can result in significant property damage, injury, or even loss of life but people are still involved by one of these reasons as their motivation;

a. Insurance scam: The market owner might be struggling financially and see arson as a way to collect insurance money.
b. Rebuilding and renovation: By burning down the old market, the owner might be able to rebuild and renovate, potentially increasing the market’s value or attracting new customers.
c. Land development: The owner might want to redevelop the land for a more lucrative purpose, such as building apartments, offices, or a shopping mall.
d. Competition elimination: In a highly competitive market, one owner might use arson to eliminate rival businesses and gain a monopoly.
e. Desperation and frustration: In some cases, an owner might feel overwhelmed by debt, regulations, or other challenges, leading them to make a desperate and destructive decision.

A thorough investigation will provide a definitive cause, but these factors should inform immediate preventive action.

Recommendations for Future Prevention

To mitigate the risk of such incidents recurring, I propose the following measures:

1. Electrical System Audits: Conduct comprehensive inspections of market wiring and implement modern, fire-resistant electrical systems.

2. Emergency Preparedness Training: Equip traders with basic fire prevention and firefighting knowledge, including how to use extinguishers and identify early fire hazards.

3. Improved Waste Management: Establish regular waste collection and disposal systems to minimize flammable materials within markets.

4. Infrastructure Upgrades: Redesign markets with fire safety in mind, including clear emergency exits, fire-resistant building materials, and accessible hydrants.

5. Market Safety Committees: Form committees to oversee safety measures, conduct periodic checks, and engage with authorities for improvements.

6. Preventing Incidents of Arson usage:

To safeguard their investments and prevent incidents of arson, all markets nationwide should consider implementing the following measures:

a. Employing 24/7 self-sponsored security personnel or Engage the Ghana Police Services to ensure constant protection.
b. Installing and maintaining high-quality, monitored CCTV cameras to deter potential threats and aid in investigations.

Words of Encouragement

To the traders and business owners who have lost their livelihoods, I want to emphasize that this is not the end of your story. Your resilience has been tested, but I believe that with the support of the community, government, and private sector, you will rise again. Challenges like these, though painful, provide an opportunity for renewal and growth.

A Call to Action

This incident underscores the urgent need to prioritize safety and preparedness in all our public spaces and markets across the country. I call on all stakeholders, including government, market associations, and individual traders, to work collaboratively to create a safer environment for everyone.

By taking these proactive steps and measures, market stakeholders can significantly enhance security and create a safer environment for traders and customers alike

Together, we can turn this tragedy into a catalyst for sustainable development and a model for fire safety in markets across Ghana.

Signed,
Kwabena Frimpong
Msc Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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