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Nearly 200 stalls and properties valued at millions of cedis were razed down in a fire outbreak at the Kumasi Race Course Market in the Ashanti Region.
The fire, reportedly, began on the morning of March 11 and, as of noon, had yet to be extinguished by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but fortunately, there were no casualties.
Some affected traders, speaking to JoyNews shared their heartbreaking experiences.
One trader lamented, “I sell onions. Yesterday, I restocked my goods with 25 bags and went home. I woke up this morning to the news of the fire outbreak. Upon reaching the market, I discovered that all our goods had been destroyed.”
Another trader expressed her devastation, stating, “I sell grinding machines and pepper. Everything has been lost. By 3 O’clock, we were informed of the fire outbreak. The intensity of the fire prevented us from salvaging any of our goods.”
Also, the police have arrested five individuals for allegedly attacking fire trucks and officers responding to the emergency.
 The Ghana National Fire Service said this assault resulted in the delay of their response to the emergency.
Fire Commander at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, DO3 Simon Ben Boadu, condemned the attack, stating, “The assault was prompted by their perception of our delayed response. However, we apprehended five of the assailants who are currently in police custody. We are committed to pursuing this matter rigorously to ensure that the culprits face the full force of the law. Such attacks on firefighters must cease.”