NDC chairman warns gov’t over market fires

The Tamale North Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Osman has warned government to ruthlessly with people found to have started fire at various markets across the country.

He observed that the recent fire outbreaks had worsened the plight of the victims and should be a source of worry to all well-meaning Ghanaians.

He therefore advised the NDC government to stop the announcement of compensation packages for victims, noting that other arsonists could raze down their own sheds in order to receive money from government.

The NDC bigwig described the recent market fire outbreaks as unfortunate considering the destruction of property of victims.

The latest Abuja fire which gutted several homes is ample evidence that the fires were deliberately started, he indicated.

Over 5,000 traders during the first half of this year lost their wares in markets in Accra and Kumasi.

The cause of fire is yet to be established by government and fire experts from the US.

Though government has announced support packages for the victims in order to enable them fend for their families, a section of the public has continuously called for full-scale investigation.

During the first half of the year, about seven major markets and private companies were gutted by fire in Accra and Kumasi destroying goods worth millions of Ghana Cedis.

Two persons allegedly arrested in connection with these fires have not been officially charged for the offence.

Some people doubt the culpability of the suspects considering circumstances under which they were picked up.