Chairman of the Federation of Kumasi Traders Association, Nana Prempeh is gearing up for legal action against the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Kejetia Market‘s management in Kumasi.
His threat stems from the market’s alleged operation without a fire certificate and insurance cover, a clear breach of GNFS’s Legal Instrument (LI) 1724.
In an exclusive interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo, Nana Prempeh voiced his frustration at the lack of concern surrounding the market’s compliance with essential safety regulations.
“I am a trader, but I am going to sue two entities, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Kumasi City Market, for allowing the market to operate without a licence. I know that the GNFS has the mandate to close down any commercial facility operating without a Fire Certificate and Insurance Cover, and I want to test the law,” he declared.
Backing his claims with evidence, Nana Prempeh pointed out that Kejetia Market has been without insurance cover since November 2021.
“Kejetia is a commercial facility, and the National Insurance Commission has made it clear that every commercial entity must be insured. However, I know for a fact that from November 2021 till date, the Kejetia Market has not been insured.”
He also highlighted deficiencies in the market’s fire safety infrastructure, emphasising the absence of a fire certificate despite the presence of a fire post.
“We are operating in the market at our own risk, the market does not have insurance cover because Kejetia Market is not fireworthy per the national fire service standard.”
Additionally, Nana Prempeh raised concerns about market congestion and its potential impact on the longevity of the Market Complex Infrastructure.
“The facility is a new technology that the Brazilians brought. Have we asked ourselves about the lifespan of this market? The market was built with bolts and nuts with boards. Are we also minded it was built in a waterlogged area?” he questioned, underscoring broader issues affecting the market’s sustainability.