The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced an immediate ban on the sale of explosive materials within the Kumasi City Market and its surrounding areas, citing concerns over public safety and the risk of fire outbreaks.
The directive affects dealers and traders handling highly flammable substances, including carbide, petrol, acid, gas, black powder, smokeless powder, and other explosive materials. Traders have been given a deadline of Sunday, March 1, 2026, to remove their stock from the market and relocate it to the Racecourse Market.
To enforce the ban, a joint security task force comprising personnel from the military, fire service, police, National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and national security agencies will carry out inspections and take action against any traders who fail to comply.
The KMA emphasized that the measure is aimed at protecting lives and property and preventing potential disasters that could result from the storage and sale of hazardous materials in densely populated market areas.
Officials urged traders and the public to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all market activities.
