Tragedy struck the Kwadaso wood market in Kumasi, known locally as Borla Kɛseɛm, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, when a fierce fire tore through the bustling business hub, leaving devastation in its wake.
The blaze, which erupted between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, is believed to have been sparked by an electrical fault in the main sawmill section. The situation escalated when the flames triggered an explosion in the nearby ECG Power Supply chamber, causing widespread panic among traders and residents.
Despite heroic efforts by locals to douse the flames, the fire’s rapid spread overwhelmed their attempts. Emergency services were swiftly alerted, and personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and local police rushed to the scene. However, accessibility challenges within the market hindered their efforts to contain the blaze.
While firefighters managed to protect some inner sections of the market, the heart of the sawmill suffered catastrophic damage. Expensive equipment, essential machinery, and stacks of wood worth thousands of cedis were reduced to ashes.
The aftermath has left many traders grappling with significant losses. Amid the heartbreak, calls are growing louder for authorities to prioritize fire safety measures and improve emergency access routes to avert such disasters in the future.
Source: GraphicOnline.com.
