Mahama visits Adum Central Market to assess fire situation

President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Adum Central Market in Kumasi, where a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21.

The fire, which started around 5:00 a.m., spread rapidly within the central business district, causing panic among traders and shop owners.

The President, who was accompanied by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, received an urgent briefing from personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service and National Security operatives where he promised support affected individuals.

Mr. Mahama had been in the region to launch the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative at Nkawie.

Meanwhile, initial reports indicate that efforts to contain the flames have been hampered by limited access to the fire’s origin.

A National Security operative briefing the media revealed that accessing the fire’s starting point had 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.