On Friday, 9 October 2026, a fire broke out at the Kumasi Central Market in Ghana, damaging approximately 15 shops. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, visited the market to assess the damage and convey sympathies to the affected traders. He was accompanied by officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). The fire was contained by the Ghana National Fire Service, with Minister Ayariga commending their swift response.
According to Minister Ayariga, he was with President Mahama in Goaso, Ahafo Region, on the "Accounting to the People Tour" when he received a situation report on the fire. The President directed him to visit Kumasi, assess the damage, and provide support to the victims. Minister Ayariga assured traders that the government would work with NADMO to provide support, pending their assessment report. The government's response will be based on the findings of the NADMO report.
Minister Ayariga emphasized the importance of fire safety and cautioned traders against poor electrical wiring and cooking in the market. He noted that some fires are caused by unsafe practices and substandard electrical materials. The Minister also mentioned that the government is working to retool the Ghana National Fire Service with more equipment to enhance their response to fire incidents.
The Kumasi Central Market has been experiencing congestion, which Minister Ayariga attributed to the delay in completing Phase 2 of the Kejetia Market Project. He stated that the government has resolved the issues that led to the delay and that the contractor will soon return to the site. Phase 3 of the project is expected to increase trading space and reduce congestion in the market.
Minister Ayariga's visit to the market was to offer support and assess the damage. He interacted with the affected traders and business owners, listening to their concerns and challenges. The Minister's pledge to provide support through NADMO has brought relief to the victims, who are counting on government assistance to recover from the losses.
The fire at the Kumasi Central Market has highlighted the need for improved fire safety measures in markets across Ghana. The government's response to the incident will be crucial in mitigating the impact on the affected traders. With the NADMO report pending, the government is expected to provide support to the victims in the coming days.
The Kumasi Central Market fire is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the need for improved disaster management and fire safety measures in Ghana. As the government works to provide support to the victims, it is also expected to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The completion of the Kejetia Market Project is also expected to alleviate congestion in the Kumasi Central Market.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has pledged to support victims of the Kumasi Central Market fire through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
- Minister Mahama Ayariga visited the market to assess the damage and convey sympathies to the affected traders.
- The fire damaged approximately 15 shops, and the government is working to retool the Ghana National Fire Service with more equipment.
