President John Dramani Mahama is calling for stronger fire safety regulations in Ghana’s markets after a devastating fire tore through the Adum Central Business District in Kumasi, destroying hundreds of shops.
The fire, which broke out early on Friday, March 21, quickly spread and caused extensive damage to businesses and livelihoods.
During his visit to the site, President Mahama expressed his sympathy for the affected traders and promised support to those who lost their businesses.
He stressed the need for improved fire safety measures and called on both the government and traders to take fire safety seriously.
He particularly warned against the use of gas cylinders for cooking in market spaces, which is believed to have contributed to the fire.
“Cooking in the market, especially with gas cylinders, poses a serious risk. Preventing such disasters must be a shared responsibility,” he said.
The fire spread quickly due to flammable materials stored in the shops, and firefighters struggled to control it because of blocked access routes and delayed responses.
Many traders also pointed to power outages in the area, raising concerns that electrical faults may have caused the fire.
President Mahama urged for a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze and emphasized the need to improve market infrastructure, including better emergency access and preparedness.
Traders expressed their gratitude for the president’s visit and his assurance of government support.
Though the tragedy has deeply impacted the community, Mahama’s call for better fire safety and his promise to support the traders offer hope for a safer future.
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