Traders are counting their losses after a fire ravaged the yam market in Zabzugu in the Northern Region, destroying several stalls and sheds.
Eyewitnesses said the blaze broke out in the early afternoon and spread rapidly through sections of the market before firefighters from the Yendi Fire Station arrived at the scene.
According to reports, the fire crew managed to contain and extinguish the flames within an hour, preventing what could have been a far more devastating incident.
Large quantities of yam stock and several market structures were reportedly destroyed, leaving affected traders devastated and struggling to assess the extent of their losses.
Residents in nearby homes said they were thrown into panic as thick smoke and flames threatened surrounding buildings. However, the swift intervention by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading further.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Municipal officials have since urged market traders to strictly adhere to fire safety protocols to help prevent future outbreaks.
