The exercise was undertaken by officers from the Manhyia Fire Station and targeted shop owners, shop attendants, food vendors and customers operating within the market.

It focused on identifying potential fire hazards and reinforcing basic fire prevention practices in one of the country’s busiest commercial centres.

During the inspection, officers engaged traders on common causes of domestic and market fires, including faulty electrical wiring, unattended cooking sources and the improper storage of flammable materials.

They also educated traders on preventive measures, stressing the need for vigilance and strict adherence to basic safety standards.

As part of the exercise, traders were taken through the importance of installing fire extinguishers in shops and stalls, as well as the practical use of extinguishers in the event of a fire outbreak.

Fire emergency contact numbers were distributed, with members of the public encouraged to promptly report fire incidents to ensure swift response by emergency services.

Officials noted that most market fires are preventable and urged traders and market users to take personal responsibility for fire safety, particularly during peak trading hours.

The inspection forms part of broader preventive measures being intensified following a spike in market fire incidents across the country, which have resulted in significant losses to traders and disruptions to economic activity.

The tour commenced with a visit to Atimpoku, where the Minister inspected the 26-kilometer Atimpoku-Juapong-Asikuma road project.

During his visit, Mr Asenso Boakye received a briefing on the 10.5-kilometer Ho-Sokode-Gborgame dual carriageway. He expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting the significant improvements made.

Additionally, the Minister reviewed the work on the 5.2-kilometer University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) road and planned to inspect the Asikuma-Kpeve-Have eastern corridor road.

At Juapong, Mr Boakye evaluated the impact of a recent flooding incident on the Alabomi stream culvert. He confirmed that no physical damage had occurred to the ditch and announced that dredging operations would be undertaken to ensure proper water flow.

The Minister attributed the flooding to human activities, specifically the accumulation of debris in the stream.

Mrs. Faustina Oppong-Yeboah, the Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), reported that the Atimpoku-Asikuma road project involved resealing and sectional repairs carried out by First Sky Construction.

Mr Edward Annan, the Volta Regional Urban Road Director, provided insights into the 10.6-kilometer dual carriageway from Ho to Sokode-Gborgame, which commenced in 2017 and was completed in May 2024 before being handed over to the government.

Mr Annan highlighted the dual carriageway’s positive impact on traffic flow and socio-economic activities in the region.

The project also included pedestrian walkways and the asphalting of two kilometres of roads within Ho town. Traffic education initiatives have been implemented to enhance road safety and promote efficient traffic management.

This inspection tour underscores the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and fostering development in the Volta and Oti Regions.