Ghana’s government will consider support for traders affected by a fire at Kumasi Central Market after the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) completes its assessment, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga has said.
Mr Ayariga visited the market near Aboabo Station to inspect the damage caused by the blaze, which swept through a number of stalls on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The minister said he was accompanying the President in Goaso, in the Ahafo Region, as part of the “Accounting to the People Tour” when he received a report about the incident.
He said the President then instructed him to travel to Kumasi, assess the situation and convey his sympathies to the traders whose businesses had been affected.
“When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims,” Mr Ayariga told the media at the scene.
He said any government assistance would be guided by the findings of NADMO’s assessment.
Fire safety concerns
Mr Ayariga praised the Ghana National Fire Service for bringing the fire under control. He said approximately 15 shops had been affected, despite the large number of businesses in the area.
He added that the government was working to provide the fire service with more equipment as part of efforts to strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies.
The minister also warned traders about the risks associated with unsafe electrical installations and cooking inside the market.
He said some market fires were linked to poor wiring, substandard electrical materials and unsafe practices, urging traders to take greater care.
Mr Ayariga also addressed congestion at Kumasi Central Market, linking the pressure on the area to delays in completing Phase 2 of the Kejetia Market Project.
He said the government had resolved the problems that had prevented work on Phase 2 from being completed, and that the contractor would soon return to the site.
The minister added that preparations were under way to mobilise funding for the start of Phase 3. The expansion is expected to provide more space for traders and help ease congestion in and around the market.
