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Ghanaians alarmed as more markets burn to the ground
Ghanaians alarmed as more markets burn to the ground
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Ghanaians are expressing growing alarm as multiple markets across the country continue to be ravaged by fire outbreaks, with the latest incident at the Techiman Central Market reducing hundreds of shops to ashes on Sunday night.
The inferno, which ignited around 9:15 PM, consumed over 100 stalls and destroyed goods worth millions of cedis, leaving devastated traders counting their losses. Firefighters struggled to contain the rapidly spreading blaze, with eyewitnesses blaming inadequate firefighting equipment for the scale of destruction.
The Bono East Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Naomi Ofori Adubea Sarpong, confirmed that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.
She noted that the congested layout of the market posed significant challenges for fire personnel attempting to manage the flames.
“In all, about six fire tenders, including those from Nkoranza, Kintampo, and Wenchi, were deployed to manage the situation,” ACFO II Sarpong stated.
She further cautioned residents to stay vigilant during the dry season, urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid similar disasters.
The Techiman fire is part of a concerning trend of market fires in Ghana just days into the new year. The Tamale Timber Market, Accra’s Kantamanto Market, and the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi have all experienced similar devastating fires, resulting in significant losses for traders. Kantamanto saw large sections of the market destroyed, while Kwadaso also reported extensive property damage.
The Ghana National Fire Service has yet to determine the cause of these recent fires. However, public speculation is mounting, with some believing that foul play could be involved in the recurring incidents.
Traders affected by the outbreaks are calling for urgent government intervention and enhanced fire prevention strategies to safeguard their livelihoods.
