A major fire has ripped through Anwona Market near Afful Nkwanta in the Kumasi Metropolis, destroying an estimated 400 shops and causing losses running into millions of cedis.
The blaze occurred Monday night, less than 24 hours after another fire at Sofoline destroyed 26 mechanic shops and 39 vehicles. Kumasi has now recorded three significant fire incidents within a week, heightening anxiety among residents and authorities.
The Anwona Market fire reportedly broke out around 10:00 p.m. and spread quickly through large sections of the trading area. Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded, but efforts were hampered by blocked access roads, which delayed emergency response.
Eyewitnesses say the fire may have started in the footwear production section of the market, where flammable materials are commonly kept.
Some affected traders suspect foul play, alleging the blaze could be linked to longstanding efforts by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to redevelop the market — plans they say traders have previously resisted. They warn they will oppose any redevelopment imposed without their involvement.
By Tuesday morning, devastated traders were still at the scene salvaging items and counting their losses after many lost their entire stock.
The GNFS has begun investigations to determine the cause of the fire, as authorities prepare to engage market leaders amid rising tension over the recent spate of fires in the Ashanti regional capital.
