More than 150 traders lose property to fire

More than 100 stores at the “Folks Line” and the “18” section, of the Kumasi Central Market were razed to the ground with a huge number of bales of used clothing, large quantity of cosmetics, footwear and other goods completely burned.

The value of the property is yet to be ascertained but it is estimated to run into many hundred thousand cedis. This is the second fire disaster to strike that portion of the market within 12 months.

It started at about 2100 hours on Thursday and firefighters backed by several fire engines battled the blaze for hours to put it out. The Ashanti Regional Fire Officer, Philip Aheng-Mensah, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), that they were yet to establish the cause.

He said their response was swift and it took them seven hours to tame the raging fire. There were emotional scenes as many of the traders wept uncontrollably seeing their investment go up in flames.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Boakye, the Regional Commander, was on hand to ensure that there was adequate security to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the disaster to steal. Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Regional Minister, has visited the scene to console the over 150 victims.

Mr Kwadwo Boateng, also known as “Daa Kwadwo” who lost two stores to the blaze said he was totally shattered. “My brother, my world has come to an end.I do not know what to do next,” he said. Some of the victims called for thorough investigations into the incident by the security agencies.