The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Friday, December 12, 2025, carried out a large-scale Market Storm Operation and public education exercise at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi as part of efforts to prevent fire outbreaks.
The exercise, led by the Ashanti Regional Commander, ACFO I Peter Tetteh, saw the deployment of more than 200 fire officers to inspect trading spaces across the market.
The team identified several fire safety violations, including unsafe electrical connections, blocked emergency exits, improper storage of flammable materials, and the absence of fire extinguishers in many shops and stalls.
Traders found to be in breach of fire safety regulations were directed to rectify the identified lapses within the shortest possible time or risk facing sanctions.
Fire officers also engaged traders directly, educating them on basic fire prevention measures, early fire detection, and the importance of prompt reporting of emergencies to the Ghana National Fire Service.
According to the GNFS, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of market fires, which often result in significant losses to traders.
The Service indicated that similar operations will be conducted in other major markets across the Ashanti Region to ensure compliance with fire safety standards and improve public awareness.
