Artisans and spare parts dealers at the Suame Industrial Area (Magazine), have called for a permanent fire station to ensure prompt response to fire outbreaks and other emergency situations.
They have also called for CCTV cameras and fire detectors to monitor, detect, and prevent fire hazards at the largest auto industrial zone in the country.
Mr Lukeman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu, Ashanti Regional Chair of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), made the appeal during a visit by Members of Parliament (MPs) in Kumasi to victims of the recent fire disaster at the Suame magazine.
The MPs were Mr Francis Asenso Boakye, MP for Bantama, Mr Ekow Vincent Assafuah, Old Tafo, Mr Michael Aidoo, Oforikrom, Mr John Darko, Suame and Nana Agyei Baffour, Manhyia South.
The visit was for them to console the victims and discuss ways of assistance and other measures to prevent fire disasters in the enclave.
Mr Appiadu pointed out that, the Suame industrial area needed improved road network to ease movement and emergency response, modern health facilities, and access to stable electricity supply.
There is also the need for capacity building and technology transfer programmes to help artisans repair modern vehicles and improve their efficiency as well as sustainable financial support for the affected artisans.
Mr Appiadu appealed to the MPs not to let their visit be a one-day show of concern but rather, be the beginning of real change for the artisans in the Suame enclave.
“Our members have lost their livelihoods overnight.
We need urgent interventions, including fire safety education, financial assistance, and better infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stressed.
Mr Asenso Boakye, who spoke on behalf of the MPs, said the visit was to show solidarity and concern for the affected artisans and traders who lost their items during the fire disaster.
He said the MPs were working together towards immediate interventions and long-term preventive measures in the industrial area.
“The fire has caused extensive losses, affecting livelihoods and businesses.
We are here not only to commiserate but to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such disasters in the future,” he stated.
Mr Asenso Boakye mentioned congestion, use of inflammable materials in the various workshops, faulty and illegal electrical wiring and connections and others, as some causes of the fire disaster.
He stressed the need for urgent fire safety interventions such as regular fire safety education and training for artisans and traders, improved urban planning and workshop reorganization in the area, strict enforcement of electrical and fire safety regulations as well as the provision of a well-equipped fire station within the Suame industrial enclave.
He assured the victims of their commitment to engage government agencies, the local authorities, and other key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect Suame Magazine from future fire disasters.
