Kumasi Market Fire: Ayariga Reveals Government’s Plans For Affected Traders

The government has pledged to explore support for traders affected by a fire at the Kumasi Central Market, following a visit to the scene by a delegation led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga.

The fire swept through parts of the market near Aboabo Station on Friday, October 9, 2026, affecting about 15 shops, according to the minister.

Speaking to journalists during his visit, Ayariga explained that he was accompanying President John Dramani Mahama on the Accounting to the People Tour in Goaso, in the Ahafo Region, when he received a report about the incident.

He said the President subsequently directed him to travel to Kumasi to assess the damage and convey the government’s sympathies to the affected traders.

Ayariga assured those who suffered losses that the government would work with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to determine the extent of the damage and identify possible assistance.

“When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims,” he said.

The minister also addressed the congestion at the Kumasi Central Market, linking the pressure on trading spaces to delays in completing Phase Two of the Kejetia Market Project.

According to him, the government has resolved the issues that had delayed the project, and the contractor is expected to return to the site to resume construction.

He added that steps had also been taken to mobilise resources for Phase Three of the project. The planned expansion is expected to provide additional trading spaces and help ease congestion in the busy commercial area.

Beyond the immediate impact of the fire, Ayariga urged traders to take precautions against practices that could trigger similar incidents. He cautioned against unsafe electrical wiring, the use of substandard electrical materials and cooking within the market.

He noted that such practices can create fire risks in crowded trading environments, where an outbreak could threaten several businesses within a short period.

The minister commended the Ghana National Fire Service for responding to the incident and containing the blaze, limiting the reported damage to about 15 shops within the market enclave.

He also indicated that the government was working to provide the Fire Service with additional equipment to improve its operational capacity.

For the affected traders, the next step will be the assessment by NADMO, which is expected to provide the information needed to determine what support may be available. The government has not yet announced specific compensation amounts or a timeline for assistance.

Source: https://x.com/citi973/status/2109210276948279664?s=46

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