Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
A delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kumasi has visited Suame Magazine to console victims of a recent devastating fire outbreak and explore lasting solutions to prevent future incidents.
Led by Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye (MP for Bantama), the group included Hon. John Darko, Esq. (MP for Suame), Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Esq. (MP for Manhyia South), Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Esq. (MP for Tafo), and Hon. Michael Aidoo (MP for Oforikrom). The visit was part of their collective effort to address key challenges affecting residents and businesses in Kumasi.
Fire Devastation and Impact
The fire, which occurred on February 1, 2025, destroyed numerous workshops, vehicles, and spare parts, leaving many artisans and traders counting significant losses. Suame Magazine, one of West Africa’s largest industrial and commercial hubs, serves as a key center for auto mechanics, welders, and artisans, making the disaster a major economic setback.
MPs Assure Support and Lasting Solutions
Speaking to the media, Hon. Asenso-Boakye expressed the MPs’ sympathies to the affected individuals and emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures.
“The recent fire outbreak is a wake-up call for all of us. As representatives of the people, we must work closely with authorities to ensure this does not happen again. Fire safety education and strict enforcement of regulations must be prioritized to protect businesses and livelihoods,” he stated.
Hon. John Darko, MP for Suame, who first raised the issue among his colleagues, noted that the frequency of such disasters calls for immediate intervention. He assured victims that the MPs would engage relevant stakeholders, including the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the city authorities, to improve fire safety in the area.
Key Fire Prevention Measures Discussed
The MPs outlined several measures they believe will help mitigate future disasters, including:
- Regular fire safety education and training for artisans and business owners.
- Improved urban planning and reorganization of workshops to reduce congestion.
- Stronger enforcement of fire and electrical safety regulations in the enclave.
- Provision of a dedicated fire station within Suame Magazine to ensure rapid response.
- Investment in modern firefighting equipment, including hydrants and accessible emergency routes.
GNAG Calls for Action
Joining the MPs during the visit was Lukeman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG). He urged the government to provide financial assistance to affected artisans and called for permanent solutions, such as the installation of CCTV cameras, stable electricity supply, and technology transfer programs to modernize the industry.
“Our members have lost their livelihoods overnight. We need urgent interventions, including financial support, better infrastructure, and a stable business environment to prevent such incidents in the future,” he emphasized.
Hope for a Safer Suame Magazine
The MPs reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government, local authorities, and relevant institutions to implement practical solutions. They assured victims that their plight would not be ignored and promised to advocate for policies that enhance safety, economic stability, and sustainable development in Kumasi.
As artisans and traders begin the difficult task of rebuilding, the MPs’ visit brought a renewed sense of hope that real action will be taken to prevent future tragedies.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
