A fire outbreak has gutted part of the Kumasi Central Market, near the Aboabo Station, triggering an emergency response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The incident occurred on the night of Friday, October 9, 2026, with firefighters rushing to the scene to battle the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the busy commercial centre.
Although the fire reportedly affected only part of the market, the full extent of the destruction had not been established at the time of filing this report. The cause of the outbreak also remains unknown, with further details expected as emergency responders continue their work at the scene.
The market fire is the second blaze to be recorded in the Kumasi metropolis within three hours.
It follows an earlier outbreak at a mattress factory at Sokoban-Ampayoo, also in the Ashanti Region.
The two incidents, occurring within such a short period, have drawn attention to the need for effective fire prevention measures and prompt emergency responses to protect lives, property and businesses.
However, there was no immediate information indicating whether the two outbreaks were connected.
Details regarding the number of shops or trading spaces affected by the fire, the value of goods destroyed, and possible injuries or casualties were not immediately available.
It was also unclear whether traders were able to salvage their goods before the flames spread.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety at commercial centres in Kumasi, where shops and trading activities are often concentrated in busy market areas.
The Ghana National Fire Service says further information from the relevant authorities is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the outbreak and the extent of the damage.
Friday’s fire adds to growing concerns about the vulnerability of commercial properties to fire outbreaks and the potential economic losses such emergencies pose to traders and businesses.
By Gifty Boateng