The Ghana National Fire Service is investigating a suspected power-restoration fault as a possible trigger for a fire that swept through part of the Kumasi Central Market near the Aboabo station. According to Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO I Peter Tetteh, preliminary eyewitness accounts indicated that the fire started shortly after electricity returned following a brief outage. The fire service received reports that the power outage lasted only three minutes before electricity was restored.
During an inspection of the fire-ravaged area, ACFO I Peter Tetteh disclosed that eyewitnesses reported seeing the fire immediately after the power returned. However, the account has not yet been established as the definitive cause of the outbreak, with investigations still ongoing. The fire service, along with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, assessed the damage.
Traders who had received basic fire safety training attempted to put out the initial flames using portable fire extinguishers before firefighters arrived. Their efforts, however, were overtaken by the rapid spread of the fire. The first fire appliance from Asokore Mampong arrived at the scene at 8:39 pm, after which crews established containment lines to prevent the flames from spreading to other sections of the market.
A total of five appliances were deployed, comprising four fire tenders and one water tanker. According to Mr Tetteh, water supply was not a constraint during the operation. Despite the available water supply and police presence, the Fire Commander said congestion and obstructions caused by traders trying to retrieve their belongings made it difficult for crews to manoeuvre around the market.
The conditions complicated efforts to access affected areas and contain the blaze. Mr Tetteh mentioned that even the police were present, but it was very difficult to navigate the area due to the obstructions. Investigations into the precise cause of the fire and assessments of the total financial losses are continuing.
The fire service is working to determine the cause of the fire and evaluate the damage. The government has promised support for the victims of the Kumasi Central Market fire. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety and prevention measures in markets.
The government and relevant agencies will likely provide assistance to those affected by the fire. Key stakeholders will review the incident to identify lessons and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- The suspected power restoration fault is being investigated as a possible trigger for the fire.
- The fire service deployed five appliances to combat the fire.
- The incident has raised concerns about fire safety and prevention measures in markets.
