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A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed over 130 shops at the Kwadaso Wood Market in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region, leaving victims counting their losses and appealing for assistance.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening, caused extensive damage to properties worth millions of Ghana cedis before being brought under control by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The GNFS reportedly battled the flames for more than five hours, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas.
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Amidu Issifu, a victim of the disaster, described the situation as dire. “We don’t know the actual cause of the fire outbreak; it came unexpectedly, and all our properties have been razed by the fire,” he said.
Mr. Issifu, whose wood stalls were completely destroyed, expressed fears about repaying a GH₵ 40,000 loan he recently secured to expand his business.
“How will I pay the loan?” he lamented, adding that while the GNFS worked hard, their efforts were insufficient to save his property.
Victims are urging the government and philanthropists to provide relief and assistance. Many have also called on the incoming administration to investigate the incident and offer support to those affected.
Richard Tutu, the assembly member for the Nsia Asare electoral area, confirmed the extent of the damage, noting that wood products and milling machines were the hardest-hit items.
“No lives have been lost, but the damage to properties is immense. The assembly will also come in to see the support we can offer to the victims,” he said in an interview with Adom News reporter Joseph Obeng.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
The Kwadaso Wood Market fire occurred just days after another catastrophic blaze destroyed nearly 7,000 shops and displaced over 30,000 traders at the popular Kantamanto Market in Accra.
