Members of Parliament whose constituencies fall within Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have expressed serious concern about fire outbreaks at market centres which cost the nation millions of cedis.
Led by the MP for Bantama, Francis Asenso Boakye, the MPs want drastic measures taken to curb rampant fire cases in recent times.
A devastating fire last week Friday gutted parts of Suame magazine, leaving several spare parts dealers and artisans counting their losses.
The inferno, which occurred late last Friday, destroyed about 25 spare parts shops and 34 vehicles, including buses and salon cars parked at a shop, reducing properties worth millions of cedis to ashes.
The scale of material and physical loss is not only tremendous but frightening, given that the economy is wobbly, and it takes a lot of effort to make ends meet.
It is in this light that the MPs in Kumasi identified some of issues that contributed to market fires.
The Leader of the team and MP for Bantama, Francis Asenso Boakye, expressed concern, noting that it has become annual occurrence in the country.
Five Kumasi Metro MPs united visited the Suame Magazine Industrial area, offering their support to those affected by a recent devastating fire.
The delegation included Oforikrom MP, Michael Akwasi Aidoo, Suame MP, Lawyer John Darko, Manhyia MP Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Tafo MP, Lawyer Vincent Ekow Assafua.
According to Francis Asenso Boakye, the Suame MP, Lawyer John Darko, brought the matter to their attention. This came as the Kumasi MPs had recently committed to working collaboratively to address development challenges and improve the lives of residents throughout Kumasi and the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on behalf of the assembled MPs, Francis Asenso Boakye expressed his sincere sympathy to the affected victims who had suffered losses in the fire.
He emphasised the extensive damage to vehicles, shops and businesses.
“MPs share concerns regarding the fire and the potential causes, including unplanned settlements. The use of temporary building materials, and the widespread practice of illegal electrical connections,”he said.
He underscored the need for stricter safety regulations within the market and improved urban planning by relevant authorities.
The united Kumasi MPs pledged to collaborate on finding lasting solutions to prevent future fire outbreaks.
“I want to reaffirm our commitment to the wellbeing and prosperity of our people,” Asenso-Boakye said.
He also advised traders and magazine artisans to be mindful of how they organize their paces to help prevent similar outbreaks from happening again.
Asenso Boakye assured them of the MPs’ determination to work to ensure such outbreaks do not recur again.
By Benjamin Aidoo
