The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, has reiterated the need for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take responsibility for redeveloping markets across the country to help curb recurring fire outbreaks.
According to him, the long-standing practice of allowing traders to rebuild markets on their own after fire disasters has worsened the situation, as many lack the technical and structural expertise required to construct safe and compliant market facilities.
Dr Agyemang made the call in the wake of a major fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market on Sunday, which destroyed more than 360 stalls and goods valued at thousands of cedis.
The Ghana National Fire Service attributed the incident to an electrical fault, with preliminary investigations pointing to faulty wiring as the likely cause. The fire was the second major outbreak to affect the same section of the market within a year.
While some traders accused the Fire Service of responding late, the Service explained that logistical challenges encountered upon arrival affected its operations.
Dr Agyemang noted that similar fire incidents have been recorded in major markets across the country, including Kantamanto in Accra, Adum in Kumasi and Techiman, with investigations often linking the outbreaks to poor structures, unauthorised electrical connections and inadequate fire safety measures.
He also criticised the slow progress in implementing insurance schemes for markets, despite repeated calls in Parliament, stressing the need for government to prioritise insurance coverage to cushion traders against losses.
According to Dr Agyemang, a coordinated, government-led approach to market redevelopment—led by MMDAs and backed by strict enforcement of safety standards—is critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure.
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