Adum fire – Adomonline.com

Adum Fire: Traders pull down roofing sheets used by KMA to cordon off affected areas to ply their business

Faridatu Seidu — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:26:49 +0000

Traders at the Adum Blue Light Arena have pulled down the fence erected by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to cordon off the affected market area in order to gain access for their trade.

On Thursday, the traders arrived at the market to find roofing sheets used to block off the area, preventing them from accessing their stalls.

Although the market was heavily guarded by military officers, the traders ignored their presence.

The market women, dressed in red, expressed their displeasure over what they believe are attempts to take over the land.

The market queen mother, Abena Nsowaa, stated that the traders would continue to dismantle barricades erected to prevent them from accessing the market.

“If KMA takes over the reconstruction, we will be left out of the stores to be shared,” she said.

A month ago, a fire ravaged the Blue Light Arena of the Adum Market, affecting thousands of traders.

Despite warnings from the KMA against returning to the area to trade, the traders have defied the restrictions.

Checks at the market indicated that some traders have already set up tables to resume their trading activities.

Some developers are also actively reconstructing one of the three-story buildings that was destroyed by the fire, despite warnings from the KMA.

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ECG dismisses claims linking Adum fire to power outages

Faridatu Seidu — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:42:01 +0000

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has dismissed claims linking the recent fire outbreak in Adum to power fluctuations.

Speaking on the issue, Ing. George Amoah, ECG’s Ashanti West Regional General Manager, clarified that the market is supplied by a dedicated distribution line, the Town Hall Feeder, which also has an alternative power source from Power House 2. Both sources were stable prior to the fire.

Ing. Amoah assured that ECG is committed to providing reliable power supply to the area, recognizing its importance as a major revenue hub.

While acknowledging that power disruptions in the past have been caused by vandalism and theft of transformers and cables, Ing.

Amoah confirmed that the power supply was stable before the fire. ECG only disconnected supply after the outbreak to assist firefighting efforts.

He also pointed out that outdated wiring, illegal connections, and poor electrical installations in the market pose significant fire risks. To mitigate such hazards, ECG has urged traders to hire certified electricians in line with LI 2008 regulations.

Ing. Amoah further clarified that a recent power outage in parts of Kumasi did not affect the Adum market and was unrelated to the fire incident.

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GNFS apologises for PR Officer’s comments on Adum fire outbreak

Faridatu Seidu — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:01:33 +0000

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued an apology to the Ashanti Regional Minister over remarks made by its Public Relations Officer, ADOI Alex King Nartey, concerning the recent fire outbreak at Adum in the Kumasi Metropolis.

A devastating fire broke out on Friday, destroying over 5,000 shops and causing widespread destruction.

The blaze, which started in the early hours, raged on until it was finally brought under control by Sunday morning.

During the incident, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene confronted fire service officials, expressing frustration over what he perceived as a slow response. His reaction sparked a public exchange when GNFS PRO Alex Nartey responded, saying, “Shouting doesn’t quench fire.”

The Minister, deeming the comment disrespectful, demanded a public apology.

In a letter dated March 24, 2025, Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella M. Ntow Sapong described Nartey’s remarks as “uncomplimentary” and expressed regret over the statement directed at the regional authorities.

She assured that disciplinary measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence and reaffirmed GNFS’s commitment to supporting efforts to curb fire outbreaks in the Ashanti Region.

The letter further emphasized the service’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders, including the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), to improve fire response and management.

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Adum Fire: We need well-planned market structures – GUTA

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:01:52 +0000

The Head of the Business and Economic Bureau at the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Charles Kusi Appiah, has called for a comprehensive plan to improve market structures across the country.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews on Monday, March 24, he stressed the need for strategic policies to prevent incidents like the recent Adum market fire.

According to Mr. Appiah, a well-planned market system should include regular integrity assessments of electrical wiring, building structures, and accessibility to markets.

He emphasized that such measures would help identify and rectify potential hazards before disasters occur.

“I think, going forward, we should have a good plan for our marketplaces and structures. It should be a policy that, every year or so, there will be an integrity assessment of the wiring system, building structures, and market accessibility. If there are any anomalies, proactive corrections should be made to avoid some of these unfortunate incidents,” he stated.

Mr. Appiah also urged market players to embrace insurance policies as a safeguard against unforeseen disasters. He stressed that insurance companies should be more proactive in educating traders on the benefits of coverage and provide assurance that claims will be honored in times of need.

“The insurance companies should be interested in taking up such responsibilities. It all boils down to education. They need to give market traders the confidence that if they take an insurance policy and are affected by fire or any natural disaster, they will be supported,” he added.

Mr. Appiah further criticized city authorities for their failure to regulate markets before disasters occur. He argued that officials should focus on providing solutions rather than blaming traders after an incident.

“These traders did not occupy these spaces overnight; they have been there for years. We have city authorities, what have they done about it? When people are affected and are in distress, it is not the time to tell them they were in unauthorized spaces. It is the time to give them hope and a future,” he said.

He called on authorities to develop a proper business continuity plan for all market sectors, ensuring that affected traders are provided with alternative spaces to continue their businesses. He insisted that city planners must take responsibility by designating proper trading spaces and enforcing regulations before disasters occur.

“When you fail in your responsibility as a city planner and our market is destroyed by an inferno, you lose the moral right to tell us the affected area was unauthorized and therefore no help will be provided. That is unacceptable. Bring solutions to the people first, and then take up your responsibility to demarcate and regulate markets properly,” he said.

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Adum fire finally extinguished after 2-day battle

Abigail Bonney — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:27:49 +0000

The devastating fire that engulfed a four-storey commercial building at Adum PZ in Kumasi has finally been extinguished after relentless efforts by firefighters from the Ashanti Regional Fire Command.

The fire, which started around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, was reported to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at 6:05 a.m.

Firefighters from the Regional Headquarters at Atonsu-Chirapatre arrived within 10 minutes, but their response was hampered as the nearest fire tenders from Kumasi Metro and Komfo Anokye Fire Stations were under repairs.

Due to the intensity of the fire, additional fire engines from KNUST, Ejisu, and Twedie were dispatched, with further support from a turntable ladder at the Regional Headquarters.

Firefighting efforts were further bolstered by two water tankers from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and two from a private contractor.

The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Army also assisted in the operation. After several hours of battling the flames, the fire was brought under control at 11:45 a.m. and has now been fully extinguished.

Firefighters faced multiple challenges, including the rapid spread of the flames due to mixed cargo, explosions within the building, and accessibility issues caused by closely packed structures. Strong winds also contributed to the fast spread of the fire.

Two firefighters and one civilian sustained injuries but have since been treated and discharged.

The GNFS has recommended the demolition of affected buildings due to structural instability. Firefighters remain on-site with three fire engines to fully extinguish any remaining pockets of fire and to cool down adjoining structures.

Several shops have been destroyed, with merchandise worth millions of cedis lost in the blaze.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The GNFS has commended the Ashanti Regional Fire Command and all stakeholders who assisted in managing the fire.

The service has also extended its sympathies to those who lost their shops, capital, and livelihoods.

It has urged the public to observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

President Mahama visits Adum fire victims, pledges support

Abigail Bonney — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:21:53 +0000

President John Dramani Mahama has visited the scene of a devastating fire at Adum-Kumasi, where an early morning blaze destroyed several shops and properties.

Mahama, who was in the Ashanti Region for a separate engagement, diverted to assess the situation firsthand.

He was welcomed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, who had earlier toured the affected area.

Briefing the President, fire service officials explained that the market’s layout posed significant challenges in containing the fire, leading to extensive damage.

Mahama assured victims that discussions were already underway with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Chief of Staff to coordinate relief efforts.

He emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term assistance to help traders recover from their losses.

Addressing the affected traders and market operators, he cautioned against using gas cylinders in the market, citing the fire risks they pose.

He further assured that a full report on the fire would be awaited to determine appropriate measures, including restructuring the market to prevent future incidents.

Suspected looters arrested in Adum after fire outbreak [Video]

Abigail Bonney — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:02:42 +0000

Security forces have been deployed to Adum PZ in Kumasi following attempts by looters to steal from shops during a fire outbreak at a four-storey commercial building.

Several suspects have been arrested as authorities work to maintain order.

Amid the chaos, groups of individuals attempted to break into shops, taking advantage of the situation.

However, the swift deployment of police and military personnel prevented further thefts, securing the area while firefighters battled the blaze.

Their presence has helped stabilize the scene, ensuring that businesses do not suffer additional losses beyond the fire damage.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was alerted to the fire at 6:05 a.m., with the first response team arriving at 6:15 a.m. Additional fire engines from KNUST, Ejisu, and Twedie were later deployed to contain the flames.

The Regional Fire Commander, his Deputy, Operations Officers, and other District Commanders are currently on-site overseeing firefighting and security operations.

Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area while investigations continue.

Officials are expected to assess the extent of the damage and determine the cause of the fire.

Watch a video from the scene below: