Business Structures Razed Down by Fire

2011
About 8 business structures at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region have been completely razed down by fire. Properties running into several millions of Cedis were destroyed as a result of the fire that persisted for more than two hours. But some eye witnesses believe that the fire incident was caused by electrical fault. According to one of the witnesses who later spoke to Radio Ghana on condition of anonymity, said some unqualified electricians in their attempt to reconnect a disconnected cable in one of the affected structures incidentally spark off fire and later swept through the other nearby structures. Some of the items affected include, sewing and weaving machines, clothes, sewing materials, cedi notes, wood logs, plywood’s, and other furniture including coffins among others. Sources say it took the district fire service personnel hours to put out the fire because the two fire tenders at their disposal were not in good condition as one badly leaks. The Divisional Fire Officer Grade 1, Mr Willie Anobiga explained that his men had a tough time putting out the fire due to the fact that the situation worsened since they encountered difficulties accessing water with their overage leak fire tender. The tender, he complained, has been in existence for the past 12 years without replacement. Mr. Anobiga however made a passionate appeal to authorities concern to help assist his outfit with new fire tenders so that in case of any fire eventuality, his men would be able to bring the situation under control with ease. He also indicated that the course of the fire is not yet known but assured the public that investigations would be conducted to ascertain its cause. He therefore assured the victims of the fire incident to exercise restraint since measures are being taken to assist them. Mr. Anobiga also took the opportunity to advice the public not to patronize fake and uncertified power cables that have the tendency of sparking of fire under the least provocation. He also warned the general public not to entertain quack electricians to execute their job for them. The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director David Nar-Ire assured the affected victims of the assembly’ support though they are private entities and called o other benevolent organizations and individuals to assist them in that regard. Some of the affected victims, Baby Janet Aduah, a seamstress and Francis Atiga , a carpenter expressed worry about the incident and called on the general public to come to their aid.
GBC END IA/