Ashantibiz has learnt that the New Kejetia Market in Kumasi will be closed this morning and reopened later in the day to enable relevant authorities to inspect the facility for further probe following the fire that swept through parts of the enclave on Wednesday evening.
The Ghana National Fire Service has begun an investigation into the fire.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started on the first floor in a section where combustible materials are sold.
It took firefighters several hours to fully control the situation.
The Ashanti Regional Director for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Frank Duodu says traders should allow the closure for proper assessment of the incident.
“Activities at the market cannot be carried out today until 12pm. That is what we are recommending for proper works will be carried out so I am not sure business can go on in the early hours”, he said.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO 1 Henry Giwaa advised traders and members of the public to be cautious when dealing with combustibles.
He also emphasized the importance of calling the Fire Department early, in the event of a fire.
“Averagely, we have counted about 33 shops that have been affected. Investigation is underway. It started right after we arrived here. So, when we are done, we will let the public know. Just as we have been educating every now and then, the public should immediately call as soon as there is an outbreak because even with this incident, the call came in from our National Headquarters in Accra before we were able to dispatch when we are just here.”
The fire comes barely a week after some parts of the market got flooded after a downpour.
Ashantibiz
