Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, has suggested the provision of fire service sub-stations at the various market centres and timber markets throughout the country.

This, he said, will enable firemen to frequently organise training programmes for people in these centres on the need to prevent fire and ensure that their sheds and shops are always safe before they close from work.

He bemoaned the rate at which fire outbreaks have become rampant in the country -- look at Takoradi Kokompe, for instance, it’s difficult to identify what caused the fire.

The MP for Takoradi said this when he visited members of the Takoradi Kokompe Sawn Timber and Traders Association, whose wood and finished products were gutted by fire on Tuesday February 19, 2013 at 3 a.m.

He urged them to put up proper structures so that their shops can be insured to ensure safety at all times: “I will assist you with 10 packets of roofing sheets”.

Mr. Joe Ghartey, the Member of Parliament for Essikado who was also present, promised five packets of roofing sheets.

Mr. Abubakar Sadick, the Public Relations Officer for the Takoradi Sawn Timber and Traders Association, explained that fire gutted the area at 3a.m. on Tuesday in all 14 sheds have been affected.

According to him, the cause of the fire is not known, investigations are still on-going and “the Ghana National Fire Service and the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Capt (rtd.) Anthony Cudjoe, have asked us to present a detailed report”.

This, he noted, will enable the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), civil organisations and individuals to support those who have been affected.

He also called for fire hydrants at Takoradi Kokompe.