5 times markets in Ghana were ravaged by fire in January 2025

January 2025 saw a series of devastating fires across major markets in the country, sparking widespread concerns about fire safety and the need for more robust preventive measures at these public places.

The recurring fires caused significant damages to businesses and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of traders.

Here’s a look at the market fires that occurred throughout the month of January

Kantamanto Market, Accra

On January 2, 2025, fire broke out at the Kantamanto Market, one of the largest secondhand clothing markets in the country.

Several stalls were destroyed, leaving scores of traders displaced.

The fire, suspected to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring, resulted in significant losses.

While investigations continue, local organisations, individuals and the government have offered assistance to affected victims.

Kwadaso Wood Market, Kumasi

Just two days after the Kantamanto inferno, the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi was consumed by fire.

Timber and sawmills were destroyed, but the prompt action of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) helped contain the flames before they spread further.

Although the cause of the fire remains unclear, the incident left traders with substantial losses.

Timber Market, Tamale

On January 6, 2025, the Timber Market in Tamale was engulfed in flames, causing widespread destruction.

The GNFS managed to contain the fire, but a large portion of the market was already reduced to ashes.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Techiman Market

On January 12, 2025, a devastating fire swept through the Techiman Central Market, reducing over 100 stalls to ashes and leaving traders in anguish.

The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of cedis, as fire personnel struggled to contain the fire.

Kejetia Market, Kumasi

On January 24, 2025, a fire also broke out at the Kejetia Market, one of the largest markets in the Ashanti Region, damaging two shops and destroying textiles and other valuable goods.

The fire reportedly started in a shop that had been closed for over a year before spreading to a neighbouring shop.

The quick response of the GNFS, however, prevented the inferno from causing further damage.

These incidents prompted the GNFS to announce new directives aimed at improving fire safety in the country’s markets.

In response to the increasing number of market fires, the GNFS issued new measures to improve fire safety nationwide.

In its January 14, 2025, press statement, it directed that personnel and fire appliances be stationed at markets from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily to provide round-the-clock fire coverage.

It also announced that a dedicated taskforce will patrol the markets to ensure swift action in case of fire outbreaks.

“The Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that: Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from 1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover," it indicated.

The GNFS also outlined plans to establish fire units at key markets to enhance safety education, conduct regular inspections, and enforce fire safety protocols.

Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, further stressed the importance of collaboration between traders, market authorities, and the public to improve fire safety and minimise frequency and severity of fire outbreaks in major markets.

At the end of January, it become clear that greater attention to fire safety measures would be crucial in preventing further tragedies and protecting the country’s commercial spaces.

JKB/AE



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