The Ghana National Fire Service in the Ashanti Region has recorded 348 fire incidents in the first quarter of 2026, marking a decline from the 385 cases reported during the same period last year.
Despite the reduction, the Command says attacks on fire officers during emergency response operations continue to undermine efforts to contain outbreaks and protect lives and property.
Speaking on the sidelines of the grand finale of an inter-market fire safety quiz in Kumasi on Friday May 1, Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO 1 Peter Tetteh, said the Command will intensify public education and urged residents to desist from assaulting fire personnel during emergencies.
He also called on the public to play an active role in fire prevention and response, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to reducing fire outbreaks in the region.
ACFO 1 Tetteh explained that the Command will scale up fire safety education across markets to help curb recurring market fires. According to him, the inter-market quiz initiative is designed to equip traders with the basic skills needed to control fires at their formative stages before they escalate.
Some participants said the exercise had provided them with practical knowledge on fire prevention and firefighting.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Kejetia Market, Ernest Afayam, said management will also strengthen fire safety education and is putting measures in place to ensure free movement within the market, particularly during emergencies, to allow firefighters easy access to affected areas.
He commended the Fire Command for the initiative. At the end of the contest, Tafo emerged winner, with Breman placing second, Mampongten third and Kejetia finishing fourth.
