Fire Guts Over 150 Stalls at Afful Nkwanta Market, Traders Lose Millions

A raging fire has destroyed more than 150 stalls at the Afful Nkwanta Market in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, leaving traders with losses estimated at several millions of Ghana cedis.

The fire outbreak, which occurred late Monday night, reduced large sections of the busy market to ashes before personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) succeeded in containing the inferno.

Affected traders told Swiftnews3 that the blaze wiped out their entire stock, including fashion items and materials used by shoemakers and dressmakers. Some of the goods, they said, had already been completed and were awaiting delivery to customers.

One trader disclosed that she alone lost goods valued at about GH¢80,000, describing the incident as a major setback to her livelihood. Many others shared similar experiences, lamenting that their working capital had been completely destroyed.

A situational report from the GNFS indicated that the fire broke out on Monday, January 25, 2026, at about 10:41 p.m. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at 2:30 a.m., with full extinguishing achieved by 4:08 a.m.

The Fire Service noted that the fire had reached an advanced stage upon their arrival, a situation attributed to congestion within the market and the lack of proper segregation of wares, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Reinforcement from nearby fire stations and the availability of a functional fire hydrant, however, prevented the fire from extending to adjoining structures.

No casualties were recorded in the incident.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and remains under investigation.

Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, commended the firefighting team, led by ADO I Bright Amuzu, for their professionalism and dedication. The GNFS also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation during the firefighting operation.

Afful Nkwanta Market serves as a major commercial hub in Kumasi, and the fire is expected to have a significant economic impact on traders. The incident adds to a recent spate of fire outbreaks in the Ashanti Region, a development that continues to worry traders and business operators.