A massive fire has engulfed the Adum Market in Kumasi, destroying shops and properties while firefighting efforts have been hampered by structural obstructions.
Authorities have announced plans to deploy excavators and bulldozers to clear wooden structures blocking access to the burning areas.
Speaking on the situation, a national security operative at the scene highlighted the major challenge faced by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in tackling the blaze.
“There’s water in the tenders, but how to get to the source of the fire is the problem. The structures, these wooden structures that they have on the railway, that is the major problem. The military has come, and they are bringing extra people to help us,” he stated.
To ensure that firefighters can effectively combat the flames, authorities are taking immediate steps to remove barriers that hinder access to the affected areas.
“The way forward is we are bringing excavators, bulldozers to come and clear this so the fire tenders will get access.”
Fire destroys shops at Adum in the Central Business Centre of Kumasi
Fire fighters currently helpless as fire spread very fast to inaccessible places.#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/A2vqSf0e8X
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) March 21, 2025
The fire, which started early on Friday, March 21, has already led to significant losses for traders and shop owners. GNFS officers have been battling the inferno for hours, with an estimated timeline of up to five more hours needed to fully extinguish the flames.
“I think it can take extra 3, 4 hours to quench the fire. We have 11 tenders here. So it will take about 4, 5 hours to quench it,” the operative noted.
The blaze erupted in a section of the market known for selling second-hand clothing and housing tailors, seamstresses, and watch repairers. The presence of highly flammable materials has intensified the spread of the fire, making containment efforts more complex.
You go to work to see your shop burning, this is sad. Fire outbreak in Adum this morning
pic.twitter.com/BpMNEEJIMI— Dr Sneaker Nyame (@SneakerNyame_) March 21, 2025
Although six fire trucks were initially deployed, congestion and narrow pathways within the market have slowed firefighting efforts. Fire officers have had to navigate tight spaces to get close to the flames, further complicating their work.
Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has arrived at the scene to assess the situation and receive a briefing from national security officials overseeing the emergency response.
UPDATE: Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has arrived at the scene of the Adum Market fire. His presence comes as emergency responders continue efforts to contain the blaze, with police also managing the growing crowd.
Stay tuned for more updates.#CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/IkVT4ZvkZT
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) March 21, 2025
