A raging fire has destroyed several stalls at Adum market in Kumasi, dealing a heavy blow to second-hand clothing vendors, seamstresses, and watch repairers.
Many traders stood helplessly as the flames consumed their shops and merchandise, leading to significant losses.
In response to the disaster, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has renewed its call for the government to provide helicopters and aerial firefighting equipment.
Officials argue that such resources would be crucial in combating fires in high-rise buildings and densely populated areas where accessibility remains a challenge.
“We have reached a stage where the Fire Service should be equipped with a helicopter or a firefighting aerodrome so that we can combat fires from above. If this is achieved, accessibility challenges will be a thing of the past,” a GNFS spokesperson emphasized.
The fire, which is the latest in a series of similar incidents in Kumasi, has raised fresh concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in Ghana’s commercial hubs. While authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, investigations are underway to establish the source and prevent future occurrences.
Traders affected by the disaster are calling for immediate support to rebuild their businesses, while fire officials stress the urgent need for better firefighting resources to handle such emergencies more effectively.