The Ghana National Fire Service reports that its intelligence gathering has revealed a surge in market fires during election years.
ACFO Timothy Osafo-Affum, Public Relations Officer, revealed that their investigations prompted them to foresee a repetition and make adequate preparations.
He mentioned that they are not overwhelmed by the current situation due to the implementation of measures designed to mitigate its impact.
He was quick to note, however, that it has not been determined whether the fires that occurred during election years were intentional or merely natural events.
In an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated that ‘We are not overwhelmed because we anticipated and prepared for this situation.’ Notably, every election year witnesses a surge in market fires, prompting the deployment of officers to various markets this year. Through proactive measures and intelligence-gathering initiatives, the number of outbreaks has been significantly reduced.
We cannot ascertain if fires recorded during election years are deliberate or caused by arsonists. Nevertheless, we are now witnessing outbreaks in diverse locations, contrasting with the market fires experienced in previous years. This trend was expected, and thus we are not overwhelmed.
He informed host Kwabena Agyapong that, despite efforts, a conclusive determination regarding the outbreak’s intentionality or natural occurrence remains elusive. However, a notable trend indicates a surge in fire outbreaks during election years.”
The PRO indicated that plainclothes officers from the service were deployed to gather evidence, enabling the GNFS to implement effective measures. Proactive steps, including enhanced public education and awareness campaigns, have been taken. The primary difference between this year and previous years is the shift in fire outbreaks from markets to other areas. If the fires were intentional, the perpetrators have relocated from markets to other areas; otherwise, it’s a coincidence. Notably, market fires have historically surged during election years, but our efforts have significantly reduced their occurrence in markets.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
