In the last three months of 2025 alone, fires have ravaged six markets, leaving behind significant property destructions and raising urgent concerns about fire safety.

The recurring fires caused damage to businesses and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of traders.

These incidents underscore the pressing need for swift implementation of robust preventive measures.

In January alone, about five markets were engulfed by fire, causing huge destruction to properties, goods, and services in some parts of the country.

The fire outbreak at Adum Market on Friday, March 21, 2025, adds to the series of market fires recorded in the past three months.

This article aims to provide an overview of the markets affected by fire outbreaks in the first quarter of 2025.

Kantamanto Market, Accra

On January 2, 2025, a fire broke out at the Kantamanto Market, one of the largest secondhand clothing markets in the country.

Several stalls were destroyed, leaving scores of traders displaced.

The fire, suspected to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring, resulted in massive losses.

Kwadaso Wood Market, Kumasi

On January 4, 2025, just two days after the Kantamanto fire, the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi was consumed by fire.

Timber and sawmills were destroyed, but the prompt action of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) helped contain the flames before they spread further.

Timber Market, Tamale

Also, on January 6, 2025, the Timber Market in Tamale was engulfed in flames, causing widespread destruction.

The GNFS at the time, managed to contain the fire, but a large portion of the market was already reduced to ashes.

Techiman Market

Additionally, on January 12, 2025, another devastating fire swept through the Techiman Central Market, reducing over 100 stalls to ashes and leaving traders in anguish.

The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of cedis, as fire personnel struggled to contain the fire.

Kejetia Market, Kumasi

On January 24, 2025, a fire also broke out at the Kejetia Market, one of the largest markets in the Ashanti Region, damaging two shops and destroying textiles and other valuable goods.

The fire reportedly started in a shop that had been closed for over a year before spreading to a neighbouring shop.

Adum Market, Kumasi

The latest addition to the series of market fires is the one at Adum Market in the Ashanti Region.

On March 21, 2025, this fire caused great destruction to goods and properties.

The blaze, which reportedly started in the early hours of Friday, caused extensive damages, with estimates indicating losses amounting to hundreds of millions of cedis in goods and properties.

Meanwhile, in response to the increasing number of market fires, the GNFS has issued new measures to improve fire safety nationwide.

In its January 14, 2025, press statement, it directed that personnel and fire appliances be stationed at markets from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily to provide round-the-clock fire coverage.

It also announced that a dedicated taskforce will patrol the markets to ensure swift action in case of fire outbreaks.

“The Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that: Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from 1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover," it indicated.

The GNFS also outlined plans to establish fire units at key markets to enhance safety education, conduct regular inspections, and enforce fire safety protocols.

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