The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the massive fire that gutted the Blue Light Arena at Adum Market in Kumasi has been fully extinguished after burning for two days.
The fire, which started at dawn on Friday, displaced over 5,000 traders and shop owners, many of whom have suffered significant losses. Firefighters battled relentlessly to contain the flames, with the GNFS lauding their efforts in a statement issued on Sunday.
“The devastating fire has been fully extinguished, thanks to the relentless efforts of our gallant and dedicated firefighters. Well done Ashanti Regional Fire Command. You have done what Napoleon couldn’t do. Sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who supported us in bringing closure to this fire management,” the statement disclosed.
However, some affected traders have criticized the GNFS, alleging that a lack of water contributed to the extensive damage. They believe that delays in response allowed the fire to spread beyond control.
GNFS officials have refuted these claims, insisting that accessibility—not water shortages—was the primary obstacle in fighting the fire. Assistant Chief Officer 2 Peter Tetteh, the Regional Fire Commander, explained that the congested layout of the market severely hampered their operations.
“We were here minutes after the call about the fire. We have been on the ground since then. It was late when the excavator was brought to create a path for us to enter the arena. If we had that intervention early, we could have salvaged the situation in a very short while. We surrounded the whole place, but there was no access,” he said.
He further emphasized that water supply was not an issue, stating that firefighters had connected to the Kejetia hydrant at the beginning of the operation.
“We were connected to the Kejetia hydrant already and began…. It was not about water, but accessibility. Four tenders were brought, tankers were available, a water cannon came, and the ambulance service, military, and police were also there. The problem was accessibility because when we arrived, there was no issue with water,” he stated.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, however, was unimpressed with the GNFS’s handling of the situation. In a viral video, he lashed out at fire officers, accusing them of inefficiency and failing to promptly disclose that some fire tenders had no water.
“If there is no water in the tender, what is it doing here? If you have any challenge, why don’t you tell me immediately?” the minister fumed.
Responding to the criticism, GNFS Public Relations Officer Alex King Nartey defended the service, stating that the minister’s approach did not address the real challenges firefighters face.
“Action is not by shouting or creating a public spectacle. This is a minister who is well aware of our challenges as a service. Even as of March 6, when our officers engaged him during a cleaning exercise, he assured them he would help fix our fire tender at our Metro Station. That promise is yet to be fulfilled,” King Nartey said in an interview with GHOne TV.
He further stressed that firefighting efforts require proper resources rather than verbal reprimands.
“We didn’t have this kind of scene at Kantamanto, yet we were able to extinguish the fire. Shouting does not fight fires or extinguish fires,” he added.
Meanwhile, several firefighters sustained injuries while battling the blaze and are currently receiving medical treatment. The GNFS PRO expressed concern over the lack of health insurance for injured personnel, highlighting the dangers firefighters face in the line of duty.
