The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is investigating a possible electrical fault following the restoration of power as a potential cause of the fire that swept through part of the Kumasi Central Market near the Aboabo station.

Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO I Peter Tetteh, said preliminary eyewitness accounts suggested that the fire broke out shortly after electricity was restored following a brief power outage.

He disclosed this during an inspection of the affected area alongside the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga; Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene; and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.

“From what we heard, eyewitnesses said there was a light out. In three minutes, the light came back on, and that is when they saw the fire,” he said.

However, Tetteh stressed that the account had not been established as the definitive cause of the fire, adding that investigations were ongoing.

According to him, some traders who had received basic fire safety training attempted to contain the initial flames using portable fire extinguishers before the arrival of firefighters.

Their efforts, however, were unsuccessful as the fire spread rapidly through the affected section of the market.

Tetteh said the first fire appliance, dispatched from Asokore Mampong, arrived at the scene at 8:39 pm. Fire crews subsequently established containment lines to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the market.

A total of five appliances were deployed for the operation, comprising four fire tenders and one water tanker.

The regional commander said the firefighting operation was not hampered by water shortages, contrary to concerns that could arise during such emergencies.

“We didn't have a problem with water at all yesterday,” he stated.

He, however, identified congestion and obstructions caused by traders attempting to retrieve their belongings as major challenges confronting firefighters during the operation.

Despite the presence of the police, the situation made it difficult for fire crews to manoeuvre through the market and gain access to affected areas.

“There were a lot of obstructions yesterday. Even the police were here, but it was very, very difficult over here,” Tetteh said.

Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are continuing, while assessments are also underway to determine the extent of the damage and the total financial losses incurred by affected traders.