Government mobilises NADMO assessment after Kumasi Central Market fire destroys 15 shops

The government has moved swiftly to support traders affected by a devastating fire at Kumasi Central Market, with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) set to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment to guide relief efforts. The blaze destroyed 15 shops before firefighters brought it under control, dealing a significant blow to traders during the critical pre-Christmas trading period.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga visited the market alongside Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, following a presidential directive to evaluate the situation. During the visit, Mr Ayariga conveyed President Akufo-Addo's sympathies to affected traders and assured them that the government would explore all available support mechanisms.

"We will put our heads together to see how we can lift you out of this unfortunate situation," he told the traders. "When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims."

Interim relief and safety clearance

In a move aimed at minimising losses during the festive season, the government and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) have agreed to allow affected shop owners to temporarily restore their trading spaces before Christmas, subject to strict safety conditions. The arrangement underscores the urgency of supporting traders during one of the year's busiest commercial periods.

Before traders can resume operations, however, KMA engineers must conduct urgent structural integrity tests on the affected sections of the market. These safety assessments will determine whether the damaged spaces can safely accommodate trading activities whilst relief and longer-term recovery arrangements are being considered. This phased approach balances the need for immediate economic relief with essential public safety requirements.

Why it matters for Ghana

Markets like Kumasi Central are vital arteries of Ghana's informal economy, supporting thousands of traders and their families. The Kumasi Central Market serves not only the Ashanti Region but also distributes goods across West Africa, making fire incidents there consequential for the broader regional supply chain. Major market fires have occurred periodically across Ghana, highlighting vulnerabilities in fire safety infrastructure and emergency response capacity.

This incident also throws light on the broader challenges facing traditional Ghanaian markets: congestion, limited fire prevention systems, and narrow escape routes. The government's commitment to resume Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project—a stalled initiative designed to alleviate market overcrowding—suggests an acknowledgement of these structural issues. Alleviating congestion is widely recognised as critical to reducing fire risk and improving trader safety across Ghana's commercial hubs.

The government's rapid response and commitment to work with NADMO and local assemblies signals a more coordinated disaster management approach. For traders operating in similar markets nationwide, the outcome of this assessment and the nature of support eventually provided may set a template for future incidents and the state's role in protecting informal sector livelihoods.

Next steps and broader market improvements

Minister Ayariga announced that construction on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project, which has stalled, would resume shortly, though no specific timeline was disclosed. This expansion project is intended to reduce the severe congestion that characterises Kumasi Central Market and improve trader safety and working conditions.

The NADMO assessment will be crucial in determining the full scope of support needed, ranging from emergency cash grants to business rehabilitation schemes. The pace and adequacy of relief disbursement will be closely watched by traders and market associations across Ghana.