The Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, a hub for timber and wood product trade, has been devastated by a catastrophic fire for the second time in two weeks.
The latest blaze erupted on Sunday night, January 19, 2025, causing extensive damage and exacerbating the hardships faced by traders still recovering from the previous fire on January 4.
Eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene show a harrowing scene as flames consumed stalls and shops, with desperate traders trying to salvage their goods while calling for help.
The fire, whose cause remains unclear, spread quickly due to the flammable materials common in the market, including wood, sawdust, and chemicals used in timber processing. Emergency services responded to the crisis, but the scale of the fire made it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze.
This tragic incident follows just two weeks after another destructive fire ravaged the market, leaving traders worried about the future of their businesses and livelihoods.
That initial blaze destroyed several sections of the market, leaving traders reeling from the loss of goods, tools, and structures essential to their livelihoods.
In the aftermath of the January 4 fire, market authorities and city officials had begun discussions on implementing safety protocols, including the installation of fire hydrants, regular safety inspections, and the creation of fire breaks within the market.
However, these measures were still in the planning stages when the second fire struck, underscoring the urgency of action to prevent further calamities.
