The Kwadaso Wood Market in the Ashanti Region was engulfed in flames on Friday evening, marking another devastating fire incident following the recent Kantamanto Market fire in Accra.
The fire reportedly started around 5 p.m., with eyewitness accounts attributing the cause to an electrical fault. Although the exact extent of the damage is yet to be determined, preliminary reports indicate that about 10 sheds have been destroyed.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) promptly responded to the distress call and managed to bring the blaze under control. Speaking to Graphic Online, GNFS personnel stated that investigations are underway to ascertain the precise cause of the fire.
Residents and traders expressed shock and despair over the incident. “We have lost everything. Our tools, materials, and livelihoods have been reduced to ashes,” one trader lamented.
Thankfully, no casualties have been reported. However, the financial and emotional toll on traders and their families is significant.
Authorities have urged traders in the area to ensure proper electrical wiring and safety measures to prevent future incidents. The Kwadaso Wood Market serves as a critical hub for the timber and furniture industry in the region, and stakeholders are calling for swift interventions to aid affected traders.
This latest fire adds to the growing concerns over fire safety in Ghana’s markets, sparking renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
