A devastating fire tore through the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, popularly known as Borla Kɛseɛm, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, leaving destruction in its wake. The blaze, which erupted between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, destroyed property, including major sawmill plants, equipment, and thousands of cedis worth of wood.
Cause of the Fire and Initial Response
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by an electrical fault in the main sawmill section, which subsequently caused an explosion in the nearby ECG Power Supply chamber.
Despite the swift response from traders, neighbors, and local emergency services, the fire proved uncontrollable. A distress call to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) brought firefighters and police to the scene, but efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by the market’s poor accessibility.
Extent of Damage
Firefighters managed to secure the inner business arena of the market, preventing further spread. However, the main sawmill bore the brunt of the inferno.
Key damages include: 
- The destruction of major sawmill plants and machinery.
- Loss of large volumes of wood and other materials worth thousands of Ghana cedis.
- Extensive structural damage to the affected section of the market.
Impact on Traders and Businesses
The incident has left traders and business owners reeling, as many lost their livelihoods in the blaze. Speaking to reporters, one trader lamented:
“We worked hard to build this business, and now everything is gone. We hope authorities will take action to ensure this does not happen again.”
Calls for Action
This latest fire at Kwadaso Wood Market echoes a growing pattern of market fires across Ghana, such as the recent devastating incident at Kantamanto Market in Accra. Traders and business owners have called on local authorities to:
- Improve Safety Measures: Implement regular fire safety inspections and install firefighting equipment at high-risk markets.
- Enhance Accessibility: Upgrade market infrastructure to ensure emergency services can quickly access fire-prone areas.
- Conduct Electrical Audits: Address faulty wiring and other potential fire hazards in markets.
Photos from the Scene
Photos from the scene reveal the scale of destruction, with charred structures and equipment bearing witness to the intensity of the fire.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive safety measures in Ghana’s markets. While the traders begin rebuilding, the government must prioritize infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness to prevent future tragedies.
