Gov’t Assesses Damage After Kumasi Central Market Fire; Ayariga Promises Support, Faster Kejetia Completion

A government delegation led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has visited the Kumasi Central Market near Aboabo Station to inspect the extent of damage after a fire swept through parts of the enclave on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Speaking to the media at the scene, Mr. Ayariga said he was accompanying the President on the “Accounting to the People Tour” in Goaso, Ahafo Region, when he received a report about the incident. He noted that the President immediately directed him to travel to Kumasi to assess the situation and convey government’s sympathies to affected traders.

The minister assured victims that government will collaborate with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to provide relief and support.

“When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims,” he said.

Addressing congestion at the Central Market, Mr. Ayariga attributed the pressure on the area to delays in completing Phase 2 of the Kejetia Market Project. He disclosed that the issues holding up the project have now been resolved and the contractor will soon return to site. Government, he added, is also mobilising resources to begin Phase 3, which is expected to expand trading spaces and ease congestion.

The minister cautioned traders against unsafe electrical wiring and cooking in the market, stressing that some fire outbreaks are caused by poor practices and substandard electrical materials.

He commended the Ghana National Fire Service for containing the blaze, noting that only about 15 shops were affected. He added that government is working to retool the Fire Service with modern equipment to enhance its efficiency.