The Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, renowned for its bustling commerce in timber and wood products, has experienced a devastating fire for the second time within a fortnight.
The most recent incident occurred on the night of Sunday, January 19, resulting in extensive damage and exacerbating the difficulties faced by traders who were still in the process of recovering from the previous fire.
Eyewitness reports and video footage from the scene reveal a scene of chaos and despair as flames consumed numerous stalls and shops, leaving destruction in their wake.
In the recordings, frantic traders are observed attempting to salvage their goods from the fierce blaze while simultaneously calling for help.
The fire, which ignited under uncertain circumstances, spread swiftly due to the presence of highly combustible materials prevalent in the market, including wood, sawdust, and chemicals utilized in timber processing.
Emergency services were notified, but the ferocity of the fire presented considerable challenges for firefighters, who found it difficult to control the situation.
This unfortunate event follows closely on the heels of another significant fire that ravaged the same market on Saturday, January 4.
That earlier blaze resulted in the destruction of multiple sections of the market, leaving traders grappling with the loss of essential goods, tools, and infrastructure vital to their businesses.
In the wake of the January 4 fire, market authorities and municipal officials had initiated discussions regarding the implementation of safety measures, such as the installation of fire hydrants, routine safety inspections, and the establishment of fire breaks within the market.
However, these initiatives were still in the planning phase when the second fire occurred, highlighting the pressing need for immediate action to avert further disasters.
