A catastrophic fire outbreak occurred on Sunday, June 21, resulting in the destruction of a premix fuel station and additional properties at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi, located in the Western Region.
DCFO Jimmy Nab Daisie, the Fire Safety Officer at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour, reported that heavy rains around 1530 hours caused vegetation and sections of a slope near the premix fuel pump to collapse.
He explained that the runoff and mudslide subsequently led to the collapse of a nearby electricity pole, which fell between premix fuel tanks, igniting a fire that rapidly spread to other fuel tanks, triggering a major conflagration.
Numerous structures, makeshift stalls, carts, and two vehicles parked nearby were consumed by the flames.
In response, five fire tenders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Port of Takoradi, and the Ghana Air Force, with assistance from local fisherfolk, fought the blaze for several hours before successfully bringing it under control.
In the aftermath, Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, ordered the immediate suspension of all commercial activities and the complete evacuation of traders operating at the Food Market and surrounding areas of the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour.
He issued this directive during his visit to the site to assess the extent of the damage following the incident.
Accompanying him were Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, officials from the Port of Takoradi, and officers from the Western Regional Command of the GNFS.
Mr. Nelson stated, “Beyond the fire incident itself, we have noted that other sections of the vegetation and weakened slopes are overlooking parts of the fishing harbour, posing a significant risk of another landslide.”
He indicated that officials had decided to evacuate all individuals engaged in trading activities along those sections as a precautionary measure.
He expressed his appreciation to the firefighters for their hard work and dedication in controlling the fire and preventing further damage to properties.
Mr. James Richard Quayson, Director of the Port of Takoradi, remarked that management had made several attempts to halt and relocate premix fuel activities from the operational areas of the fishing harbour, but these efforts had been unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, he stated that management would implement measures to restore full operations at the fishing harbour to fulfill its intended purpose.
By Emmanuel Gamson
Source: Access Agric
