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Kwadaso Wood Market fire: Authorities probe cause after second blaze in 14 days

D.O. 2 Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Fire Service, expressed his concern over the rising number of fire incidents in the region. He assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent future market fires.

Authorities have initiated investigations into a devastating fire that broke out at Kwadaso Wood Village in the Ashanti Region, destroying at least 250 shops and leaving traders in shock.

The fire, which erupted on the night of Sunday (19 January) caused widespread damage and exacerbated the already dire situation of traders still recovering from a previous fire incident just two weeks ago.

Videos from the scene captured the desperate efforts of traders trying to salvage their goods from the raging flames, while calling out for help.

One trader, who spoke to the media, shared the extent of the destruction.

“I am a furniture producer, and I own a mini sawmill. I also sell livestock here, but due to this devastating incident, I have lost everything and am the most affected trader here. I am calling on individuals and groups to come to our aid. Extensive damage had already been caused, and when the firefighters arrived, they could not control the fire.”

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) worked tirelessly to contain the fire. Utilizing advanced firefighting equipment and techniques, the team managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas. Despite their efforts, the damage within the market was significant.

D.O. 2 Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Fire Service, expressed his concern over the rising number of fire incidents in the region. He assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent future market fires.

“This is actually a worrying trend. The number of market fires that we are receiving is such a huge worry but for us at the fire service, the chief officer Julius Kunor has directed these strategies be implemented to bring these fires down to the barest minimum…

“…and some of them include going on patrols within the various markets, setting up a task force that will go during the daytime to all the markets and ensure that they carry out risk assessments, they identify potential fire hazards, they ensure that no fire happens within the markets during the daytime. In the night too we have our tenders positioned close to the markets to patrol the markets”, Addai stated.

Ghana recorded 4,650 fire incidents between January and September 2024.

The recurrent market fires have affected countless individuals, leaving them grappling not only with the loss of their livelihoods but also enduring profound psychological impacts.

On 2 January 2025, another fire at Kantamanto Market in Accra destroyed properties and livelihoods, adding to the growing list of fires ravaging major markets nationwide.

Reporting By Lordina Agyemang Duah, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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