The Greater Accra Regional Fire Service (GNFS) has urged victims of the Kantamanto market fire to delay reconstruction efforts. Victims began rebuilding structures destroyed in last week’s fire, which ravaged the market and wiped out thousands of shops.
At a press conference in Accra, GNFS Regional Commander ACFO II Rashid Nisawu emphasized the importance of fire safety precautions before rebuilding. He said this should be done before rebuilding, lest the risk of another fire incident.
He said without seeking professional advice, reconstruction could lead to another fire incident. He stated, “As we speak, I have spoken to them. The authorities, and I have made them aware that if they have not come for professional advice and go on with the reconstruction [and] if they are not lucky and one day there is fire, they will be telling the same story.
“The last time the minister came to sympathize with them, I suggested that even if they have to construct, they have to come for advice. We give them standardized structures and the type of materials they should use. But I cannot go in there and force them,” he stated.
Mr. Rashid also dismissed allegations that fire officers escalated the fire by pouring petrol at the scene.
He said, “As for the people making allegations that we poured petrol on the fire when we attempted to bring the situation under control. That is why we are holding this press conference to explain to the people of Ghana.”
“Why on earth should anybody put petrol in a fire tender and pour it on the fire? Even if you take petrol there, you will get burnt yourself… So that is unfortunate, to say the least,” he added.
 has warned against the immediate reconstruction of the Kantamanto market by victims.){kind=link}