The Chief Fire Officer of the Netherlands, Johan Tuitert, is currently in Ghana on a working visit to assess the country's fire safety challenges and explore areas of practical support. His visit focuses on the persistent issue of market fires, a major risk to lives and livelihoods in the West African nation.
The visit, which began on April 8, 2026, includes meetings with Ghana's National Fire and Rescue Service (GNFS) leadership and field inspections of high-risk areas, including the Makola Market in Accra. The collaboration aims to strengthen Ghana's fire prevention systems, emergency response coordination, and public safety education.
This engagement follows a history of devastating market fires in Ghana, such as the 2023 Kantamanto market blaze. The Dutch support is expected to involve knowledge exchange, potential equipment provision, and training programs to enhance local capacity and reduce the frequency and impact of such disasters.
