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On January 6, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed the Timber Market in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana. The blaze erupted late Tuesday night, destroying numerous shops and leaving traders in distress as their livelihoods were reduced to ashes.

Despite a swift response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), efforts to control the fire were hampered by challenges such as limited access to water and the congested nature of the market area. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

This incident follows similar fires at the Kantamanto Market in Accra and the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi within the past week, raising concerns about fire safety measures in the country’s commercial hubs. While the exact causes of these fires remain under investigation, authorities suspect factors such as electrical faults, poor wiring, and the storage of flammable materials as possible contributors.

The recent spate of market fires has had a devastating impact on traders and the local economy. Many traders operate without insurance, leaving them with no safety net to rebuild their businesses. The destruction of the Timber Market, a key hub for construction materials in northern Ghana, could lead to shortages and price hikes, affecting the broader supply chain.

In response to these incidents, traders and civil society groups are calling for urgent action, including regular fire safety audits in markets, installing fire hydrants and other firefighting equipment, and improving market infrastructure with better wiring and fire-resistant materials.

 

By: Bawa Musah.

Read also…

Kwadaso wood market in Kumasi gutted by fire

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