A fire outbreak swept through the Anwona Market near Afful Nkwanta in the Kumasi Metropolis on Monday night, causing extensive damage to several shops and properties.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after a similar fire destroyed properties at a cluster of mechanic shops at Sofoline, raising fresh concerns about recurring fire outbreaks in the metropolis.
The blaze reportedly started around 10:00 p.m., engulfing parts of the market and destroying goods before firefighters arrived. Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were swiftly deployed to the scene and are currently working to bring the situation under control and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Eyewitnesses say the fire is believed to have originated from the footwear factory section of the market, where highly flammable materials are often stored. The intensity of the fire was worsened by these materials, making it difficult to contain in its early stages.
No casualties have been confirmed as of the time of filing this report, though several traders are said to have suffered significant losses. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined.
Authorities have begun preliminary assessments as firefighters continue cooling operations. An investigation is expected to be launched to establish the cause of the incident and assess the full extent of the damage.
