The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has assured traders affected by Tuesday fire outbreak at Circle in Accra of the government support, even as investigations continue to determine the cause of the blaze.
Addressing the media during a visit to the scene yesterday, Ms Ocloo said the cause of the fire remained unknown, pending a full report from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
She disclosed that the congestion and unregulated activities at the site had made firefighting extremely difficult, forcing emergency responders to break through walls before fire tenders could gain access.
According to her, more than 50 gas cylinders were retrieved from the area, where trading, cooking, drinking spots and sleeping activities were taking place simultaneously.
She noted that despite repeated calls by authorities for decongestion and adherence to basic safety measures, many traders continued to cook at the site without proper precautions.
“We keep advising them that after cooking, they should turn off the gas and remove the cylinder heads to ensure safety, but compliance has been a challenge,” the Regional Minister noted.
Ms Ocloo also revealed that pockets of fire were still detected hours after the initial blaze was contained, necessitating the recall of fire officers around 3pm to fully secure the area.
She said the assemblies had been directed to clear debris while authorities await an assessment from the GNFS to establish the cost of damage.
She recounted meeting an elderly trader who lost part of her savings in the fire, saying government would step in to support affected victims, although investments lost over many years could not be fully recovered.
Ms Ocloo called on traders to cooperate with redevelopment plans for the Circle enclave.
She explained that portions of the land were earmarked for development, not eviction, and assured traders that new stores would be sufficient to accommodate all registered occupants in a safer and more organised environment.
BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA
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