Some of the destroyed shops
A devastating fire has razed more than 150 market stalls at Afful Nkwanta in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, leaving traders counting losses estimated to run into several millions of Ghana cedis.
The late-night inferno swept through the busy market, destroying goods and property before personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were able to bring the situation under control.
Several affected traders told reporters that years of hard work had been wiped out within hours. Many of the shops, they explained, were stocked with fashion items and materials used by shoemakers and dressmakers, some of which were already completed and awaiting delivery to customers.
One distraught trader said she had lost goods valued at about GH¢80,000, adding that the fire had left her devastated and uncertain about how to recover. Others shared similar stories, noting that the destroyed materials represented their entire capital.
In a situational report, the Ghana National Fire Service stated that the fire broke out on Monday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 10:41 p.m. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 2:30 a.m., with final extinguishing completed at about 4:08 a.m.
According to the GNFS, the fire had already reached an advanced stage by the time crews arrived, largely due to congestion within the market and the absence of proper segregation of goods, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly. However, timely reinforcement from nearby fire stations and the presence of a functional fire hydrant helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded, a development the fire service described as fortunate given the scale of destruction.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, commended the firefighting team, led by ADO I Bright Amuzu, for their professionalism and commitment during the operation. He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation, which contributed to the successful management of the incident.
Afful Nkwanta Market, a key commercial centre in Kumasi, is expected to suffer significant economic setbacks following the disaster. The incident adds to a growing number of fire outbreaks in the Ashanti Region, a trend that continues to raise concern among traders, business owners, and residents.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi