Tema, April 11, GNA- Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Fisheries, has asked canoe operators, fishing companies and other establishments in the fishing industry to insure their properties against unforeseen disasters. Mrs Asmah said it was unfortunate that fishermen and other operators in the Ministry do not see the relevance of insurance, and urged them insure their properties so that in the event of a disaster, they would be given money to rehabilitate their affected items.

She made the appeal on Friday, when she visited the Obedru Fishing Company Limited, which was gutted by fire on Wednesday, to ascertain the extent of damage, to enable her outfit to put in measures to avert future occurrences in the industry.

It took fire fighters from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Ports and Harbours and Tema Oil Refinery about four hours to bring the raging fire, which started around 0300 hours under control.

The Minister stated that it was sad and unfortunate that some people in the industry do not heed to advice and education on insuring their properties, adding that, more than 30 boats and canoes that have not been insured got lost at sea during the rainy season last year. Expressing her disappointment at the failure of the owner of the cold store to insure the company, she stated that "I hope this becomes an eye-opener to others in the industry".

Mrs Mary Adjetey, owner of the company said about 96,000 metric tonnes of frozen chicken valued over 1.5 million dollars were destroyed by the fire. Mrs Adjetey said plans were underway to insure the company, which was bought through divestiture two months ago, adding that, it was heartbreaking that fire swept through it before the process could be completed. She said even though the fire service and the police were yet to find the cause, she believed it was due to an electrical problem, explaining that the premises, which formerly housed the Ghana Fishing Company was built during the first republic and had not seen any major rehabilitation before it was divested.

Chief Superintendent George Akuffo Dampari, Tema Regional Police Commander for Railways and Ports assured the Minister that the police in conjunction with the health service have put in place mechanisms to ensure that the burnt poultry products are not sold to consumers as it was unwholesome for consumption. He said the police were supervising the evacuation of the products to the Kpone dump site to be buried. The Minister was conducted around the burnt premises by Mr Kingsley Adjei, Administrative Officer of the company.