The Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, known for its vibrant trade in timber and wood products, has been struck by a catastrophic fire for the second time in two weeks.
The latest blaze erupted on the night of Sunday, January 19, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and further compounding the woes of traders who were still recovering from the earlier fire.
Eyewitness accounts and footage from the scene depict a chaotic and heart-wrenching night as flames engulfed numerous stalls and shops, consuming everything in their path.
In the video, desperate traders can be seen battling to save their wares from the raging inferno while simultaneously calling out for assistance.
The fire, which broke out under unclear circumstances, spread rapidly due to the highly flammable materials predominant in the market, such as wood, sawdust, and chemicals used in timber processing.
Emergency services were alerted, but the intensity of the fire posed significant challenges for firefighters, who struggled to bring the situation under control.
This tragic incident comes just two weeks after another devastating fire swept through the same market on Saturday, January 4.
That initial blaze destroyed several sections of the market, leaving traders reeling from the loss of goods, tools, and structures essential to their livelihoods.
In the aftermath of the January 4 fire, market authorities and city officials had begun discussions on implementing safety protocols, including the installation of fire hydrants, regular safety inspections, and the creation of fire breaks within the market.
However, these measures were still in the planning stages when the second fire struck, underscoring the urgency of action to prevent further calamities.
