…millions of cedis in properties lost
By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
A massive fire outbreak at the Adum Railway area has left over 2,000 shops completely razed, resulting in the loss of properties worth millions of Ghana cedis.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday March 21, has left traders and business owners in despair as they grapple with the destruction of their livelihoods.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started at a shop on the top floor of a building near the Despite building which houses Hello FM when light was turned on after a power outage in the area.
They claim, the voltage of the power was so high and that led to a loud bang then the fire started. It quickly spread to other shops in the building and then spread to other wooden shops and metal containers (used as stores) behind the building.
The fire further spread across the densely populated commercial hub, where traders deal in shoes, slippers, sandals, clothes, jerseys etc fueled by the wooden structures and flammable goods stored in the shops.
Eye witnesses say, even though the Ghana National Fire Service acted swiftly, they couldn’t get space to go through with their fire engines to help put the fire under control especially, behind the Despite building where most of the structures were made up of wood and metals.
This led to complete destruction of the affected area even though the GNFS with the help of Ghana Police Service water cannons, could not salvage the situation.
One of the victims who gave his name as Junior, told the B&FT that his shop was also affected. He indicated that due to the upcoming Eid ul-Fitr “Sallah” celebrations, he recently stocked up his shop with “jalabiya/abaya” (simple straight dresses} worn by Moslems for prayers. Also, he had in the shop not less than a cash amount of GH₵35,000.00.
“I lost everything—my shop, my goods, and my source of income. I don’t know how I will recover from this,” Junior lamented.
Many other traders echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration and calling for immediate government intervention to support them in rebuilding their businesses.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though officials have yet to confirm the exact cause. The GNFS has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the origin of the fire and prevent future occurrences.
The Adum Railway area is a bustling commercial zone known for its vibrant trade in clothing, electronics, and other goods. The destruction of over 2,000 shops is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, with many traders now facing an uncertain future.
The incident has reignited calls for improved fire safety measures in commercial areas, particularly in densely populated markets. Traders are urging the government to enforce stricter regulations and provide adequate firefighting infrastructure to prevent such disasters in the future.
Additionally, some eyewitnesses and bystanders also called for stricter measures on the importation and use of inferior cables for buildings.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, led the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to access the extent of damage and to get first hand information from this devastating fire outbreak.
He however, was tightlipped on measures government would hope to put in place to curb future occurrences.
Meanwhile, some recalcitrant individuals who tried to steal from affected individuals were apprehended by the Ghana Police.
