Traders count losses as fire guts Kumasi Adum Central Market

A raging fire has swept through sections of the Adum Central Market in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.

The fire, which started around 5:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, continues to spread within the central business district, causing panic among traders and shop owners.

Fire Service personnel are on-site battling the inferno, which, according to reports, is extending to Phase Two of the market.

However, efforts to contain the flames have been hampered by limited access to the source of the fire.

A National Security operative, who briefed the media, revealed that accessing the fire’s origin has been a major challenge for firefighters.

“The fire service personnel did their best, but the main problem is how to get access to where the fire started. If they had a clear path, they could have controlled it within 30 minutes, but the structures around the area are blocking their efforts. Some people were even disrupting their work, and looters took advantage of the chaos.

“The military had to step in and make some arrests. The fire is now moving towards the Roman Hill area and Phase Two of the market. Firefighters are working seriously, but access is still a problem,” the operative explained.

The situation has forced security officials to consider drastic measures to contain the blaze.

“We are bringing in excavators to clear the road so that the fire tenders can get access. Even if we have to break some walls, we will do so. It may take an additional three to four hours to fully extinguish the fire, but that will depend on how quickly we can create access for the firefighters,” the official noted.

A JoyNews reporter, Nana Boakye Yiadom, who was at the scene, described the fire as catastrophic.

“It started from a building next to Hello FM, on the top floor, and swept through the entire structure. It spread to another building opposite the Otumfuo Roundabout, then extended towards the structures near Phase Two of the Kejetia Market. The fire has also reached buildings around the Roman Hill area, where firefighters are now concentrating their efforts,” he reported.

Despite their efforts, firefighters are still struggling to enter the inner perimeter of the central business district, where the fire originated.

“The area behind the Hello FM building, known as the Sparks Building, is still burning. That is the major challenge because they can’t get access. The regional minister and security operatives have decided to break walls to create an entry point for the fire tenders,” Boakye added.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who is at the scene, expressed concern over the situation.

In a social media post, he wrote: “PZ Fire outbreak. Fire Service and other forces are on the ground. They need all your assistance and cooperation. Sorry to everyone affected.”