Tema, Sept 27, GNA - Nii Armah Ashitey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, on Monday advised companies using inflammable products to constantly observe safety practices to prevent fire outbreaks. He also asked management of such companies to provide their workers with fire protective clothing and equipment.

Nii Ashitey made the call when he visited the Midland International Ghana Limited Company, which experienced a fire outbreak on Saturday. Four persons carrying out repair works on a tank at the company lost their lives in the explosion, while properties running into several thousands of Ghana Cedis were also lost in the blaze.

Nii Ashitey was accompanied by Mr Robert Kempes Ofosuware, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Nestor Galley, Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Assistant Commissioner of Police Augustine Gyening, Tema Regional Police Commander, and officials of the National Disaster Management Organization.

The Minister asked the Ghana National Fire Service (GNF) to intensify its anti-fire education and drills at companies to prevent out break of fires.

Mr Kwabena Obese-Jecty, Managing-Director of Midland, who conducted the Minister and his entourage round the burnt premises, said the company has always taken fire safety issues seriously since it started operations in 2001. He commended the GNFS for effectively containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby establishments. Mr Obese-Jecty also praised the Police for keeping the people out of the premises during the incident. Madam Jemima Anku, Marketing Manager of the Company, said that the four people, who died in the incident, were employees of M&B Engineering, who were carrying out repair works on an empty storage tank at the premises. She said the company deals in ethanol, a chemical product, used in the production of alcohol, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and perfume. Madam Anku said that routine maintenance works were mostly carried out at the company during week ends and holidays. She said the entire office block of the company, loading shed, a tanker, forklift, a pick-up vehicle, storage tanks among other properties were lost during the fire outbreak. 27 Sept 10