The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Obenewaa Ocloo, has urged traders operating around the informal settlement and market behind the Royal VVIP Bus Terminal near the Circle Interchange to cooperate with municipal assemblies as debris from the recent fire outbreak is cleared to pave the way for proper redevelopment of the area.

She said this when she revisited the site after a fire last Tuesday razed parts of the settlement and market, destroying several trading structures and items.

Fire challenges

The Minister said the Ghana National Fire Service had difficulty accessing the site to quench the fire because of congestion and lack of proper entry routes, a situation that compelled officers to break a wall to gain access.

She said the cause of the fire was still unknown and that the RCC was awaiting feedback from the fire service to determine the precautionary measures to take to forestall recurrence, expressing deep concern about the frequent fire outbreaks at market centres.

She stressed the need for proper planning and development of trading spaces to enhance safety and access in such emergency situations.

“The government is engaging with developers, including VVIP, to properly develop the area and provide a serene and safe trading environment for traders,” she said.

Safe trading environment

Addressing some of the affected traders, the Regional minister said the government was committed to creating a safe, organised and well-structured trading environment for all.

Mrs Ocloo disclosed that the area previously had a chop bar and a drinking spot where many people slept, noting that the high level of activity there posed serious safety risks, as it became evident that more than 50 gas cylinders had been retrieved from the debris.

She assured the traders that the government was ready to support victims of the fire, regardless of the cause, and pledged that the redevelopment would accommodate all traders and provide enough space for everyone.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso Central, Mr Rudolph Collingwoode-Williams, said the assembly, together with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, would embark on a decongestion exercise in the area.

The Ayawaso Central MCE said the comprehensive plan would include a multi-market development to accommodate home traders and food vendors, rezoning of the area, improved access for emergency vehicles and the construction of a modern market facility to give the area a new and organised outlook.