Kwadaso wood market in Kumasi gutted by fire -

Even before the dust settles on the devastating fire at the Kantamanto Market in Accra, fire gutted a known wood market at Kwadaso in Kumasi in the Ashanti region on Saturday, January 4, 2025, leaving behind widespread destruction and significant losses for traders and residents.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out in the early hours and spread rapidly through the market. Stacks of timber, sawmills, and other valuable property were completely destroyed, and traders and workers watched in despair as their livelihoods were consumed by the flames.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) swiftly deployed personnel to the scene, working tirelessly to contain the inferno. Using advanced firefighting equipment and techniques, the team prevented the fire from spreading to nearby areas, though the damage within the market was extensive.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine its origin. Traders and residents are eagerly awaiting answers as they assess the impact of the destruction.

This tragedy comes just days after another major fire incident at the Kantamanto Market in Accra, a vital trading hub for second-hand clothing.

The Kwadaso fire marks the second significant market blaze in Ghana within the first four days of 2025, raising concerns about fire safety in heavily congested commercial areas.

Authorities are urging market operators to prioritize fire safety measures to prevent future occurrences, while affected traders begin rebuilding their businesses.