A victim of the recent Adum Market fire in Kumasi has expressed frustration at the lack of firefighting resources in the country, specifically criticizing Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama. The unidentified market trader, who suffered significant financial losses due to the fire, called on Mahama to shift his focus from purchasing luxury items, such as private jets, to donating fire trucks to the Ghana National Fire Service.
In a video circulating on social media, the victim voiced his anger as he witnessed the Ghana National Fire Service struggling to control the flames. “Instead of buying private jets, invest in fire tenders for the Ghana National Fire Service,” the trader said, highlighting the country’s inadequate firefighting infrastructure.
The fire, which broke out early on March 21, 2025, destroyed over 100 shops in the Adum Market. Many traders, like the one in the video, lost their entire stock in the blaze. However, some critics have questioned why Mahama, a private citizen, was singled out for the criticism, especially since there is no clear connection between him and the fire incident.
The victim’s comments sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some netizens defended Mahama, asserting that as a businessman, he has the right to spend his wealth as he sees fit. Others criticized the young man for placing blame on Mahama instead of addressing broader systemic issues that led to the fire.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the tragedy has shone a light on the urgent need for better fire prevention resources across Ghana’s markets.
Source:yen.com.gh