A fire has severely damaged part of the Kwadaso main market, destroying goods worth several thousands of cedis.
Most of the affected items were foodstuffs, and traders are now assessing their losses.
In the early hours of Thursday, August 1, 2024, a fire broke out at the Kwadaso main market, severely impacting the M line. Traders have reported losses amounting to millions of cedis as shops and their contents, including fabrics, footwear, frozen foods, plantain, yam, and other goods, were destroyed.
The affected traders expressed their distress over the loss of their livelihoods.
Speaking to Citi News, one trader said, “All our plantain has been burnt. We are facing a huge loss, with GHC4,000 to GHC5,000 worth of plantain destroyed. We bought the plantain on credit and now we have to pay back. We don’t know what to do. Those who gave us the plantain on credit will demand their money, and we really need help. I’m 62 years old and this is the only business I can do.”
Another trader, Adwoa Connie, lamented, “I sell fabrics, shoes, hair scarves, and other items. I took a loan and now all my fabrics are destroyed. I’m appealing to the government for assistance so I can restart my business. I’m 71 years old with children in school, and there is no other help available. I just got new stock on Wednesday and now everything is gone. The loss could be over a million cedis. I’m pleading for government support.”
In an interview, the Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Fire Service stated that the fire was controlled after two fire appliances, a fire tender, and a water tanker were deployed to the scene.
He noted that access to the market was hindered by obstructions and blockages at the entrance and on the road leading to the fire, causing a delay in response. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
“The fire affected 40 stalls and their contents, including frozen foods and provisions. Fortunately, there were no casualties. When we arrived, the fire was already well alight.
Obstructions around the market entrance prevented the doors and gates from opening fully, complicating our access to the scene,” he explained.
