The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has directed the immediate suspension of all commercial activities and the evacuation of traders operating at the Food Market and surrounding areas of the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi following a fire outbreak that ravaged a premix fuel dump on Sunday.
The decision comes after authorities assessed the aftermath of the incident and identified additional safety threats posed by unstable slopes and weakened vegetation overlooking sections of the harbour.
According to the Fire Safety Officer at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour, Jimmy Nab Daisie, the fire was triggered by heavy rainfall that struck the area at about 3:30 p.m.
He explained that the rains caused vegetation and portions of a nearby slope to collapse, sending mud and debris downhill.
“The runoff caused an electricity pole to fall between premix fuel tanks, creating sparks that ignited the fuel and rapidly spread to adjoining tanks,” he said.
The resulting inferno engulfed several structures, makeshift stalls, handcarts and two vehicles parked close to the fuel storage area before firefighters brought the situation under control.
Five fire tenders from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Port of Takoradi and the Ghana Air Force, supported by fisherfolk and volunteers, battled the blaze for several hours to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the fishing harbour.
On Monday, Minister Joseph Nelson, accompanied by the Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and officials of the Port of Takoradi, inspected the affected area to assess the extent of the damage and the potential risks that remain.
Following the inspection, the Minister ordered an immediate evacuation of the Food Market and adjoining trading areas.
“Our foremost responsibility is to protect lives. The conditions we have observed present a significant danger, and we cannot allow commercial activities to continue while these risks persist,” the Minister said.
He stressed that the directive is a preventive measure intended to avert another disaster while technical assessments and remedial works are undertaken.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Port of Takoradi, James Richard Quayson, disclosed that port authorities had repeatedly attempted to relocate premix fuel operations away from active operational areas of the fishing harbour.
“We have made several efforts over the years to stop and relocate these activities, but those attempts have not been successful. This incident reinforces the urgent need to review the current arrangement in the interest of public safety,” he noted.
As of Monday afternoon, public announcements were being made across the fishing harbour to notify traders and other occupants of the directive to suspend operations and vacate the area.
Authorities are expected to conduct further structural and environmental assessments before any decision is taken on the resumption of commercial activities.
