A fire outbreak at the Kumasi New Kejetia Market has destroyed and damaged goods at a retail shop on the first floor, before firefighters moved quickly to contain the situation.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported that the blaze affected Shop F2230, where large quantities of flammable items were stored. The fire caused extensive smoke damage to goods, including hundreds of boxes of matches and other retail products.
A team of nine firefighters, led by Station Officer I Maxwell Partey, responded to the emergency within two minutes after receiving the distress call. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy smoke billowing from the shop and immediately began efforts to stop the fire from spreading.
Using portable extinguishers alongside the market’s hose reel system, the firefighters managed to bring the situation under control. The fire was contained at approximately 8:48 a.m. and completely extinguished by 9:00 a.m.
Despite the swift intervention, the shop suffered notable losses. Items affected included about 250 boxes of matches, nail polish chemicals, and several deodorant containers, most of which were damaged by heat and thick smoke.
However, authorities indicated that goods worth millions of Ghana cedis were salvaged due to the rapid response by the fire service.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by the spontaneous ignition of flammable materials stored in a poorly ventilated space.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were recorded, bringing relief to traders and customers at the busy market.