Fire ravages Suame Post Office Market in Kumasi

A devastating fire has swept through the Suame Post Office market in Kumasi, leaving behind widespread destruction and heavy losses for traders.

The blaze, which started late Tuesday night, was first reported to the Ghana National Fire Service at 11:46 pm. A crew from the Breman Fire Station, led by STNO II Boseah, responded swiftly and arrived at the scene within minutes, but the fire had already escalated.

With support from the Manhyia, RHQ Substation, and Mamponteng Fire Stations, firefighters battled the raging flames both offensively and defensively.

The inferno was brought under control at 2:06 am and completely extinguished by 10:43 am. Official reports indicate that 25 out of 44 shops and 192 sheds were destroyed. However, eyewitnesses and traders suggest the devastation was far greater, with over 100 shops reduced to ashes.

Some witnesses blamed the rapid spread of the fire on gas cylinders stored within the market, which exploded and intensified the blaze. Traders also lamented what they described as a late response from the fire service, claiming that earlier intervention could have reduced the damage.

Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries have been reported. Fire investigators are currently at the scene to establish the cause of the incident. This tragedy adds to a growing list of market fires across the country this year, raising renewed concerns over safety measures, electrical faults, and poor storage of flammable materials in Ghana’s markets.

The Suame fire has left many traders devastated, with livelihoods destroyed overnight. Calls are mounting for authorities to strengthen fire safety regulations, provide better infrastructure in markets, and educate traders on fire prevention to avert such disasters in the future.

By Bawa Musah

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