A fire erupted at Kumasi Central Market near Aboabo station shortly after the electricity returned following a brief outage, the Ghana National Fire Service said. Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO I Peter Tetteh said eyewitnesses reported a power cut followed by the sudden return of electricity, after which the fire broke out.
“From what we heard, eyewitnesses said there was a light out. In three minutes, the light came back on, and that is when they saw the fire,” Mr Tetteh said during an inspection of the scene with Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.
The cause remains unconfirmed as investigations continue. The Ghana National Fire Service is probing a suspected power-restoration fault as a possible trigger.
Traders trained in basic fire safety tried to control the initial flames with portable extinguishers before firefighters arrived. Their efforts were overwhelmed by the rapid spread of the blaze.
The first fire appliance reached the market at 8:39 pm, coming from Asokore Mampong. A total of five vehicles were deployed, including four fire tenders and one water tanker.
“We didn’t have a problem with water at all yesterday,” Mr Tetteh said, dismissing concerns over water supply during firefighting operations.
Despite police presence, congestion and obstructions caused by traders attempting to salvage belongings hindered firefighters’ movement. Mr Tetteh said these conditions complicated efforts to access and contain the fire.
“There were a lot of obstructions yesterday. Even the police were here, but it was very, very difficult over here,” he added.
The extent of financial losses is still being assessed alongside the ongoing investigation into the fire’s cause.
According to Joy Online.
