By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
A devastating fire that ravaged Kumasi’s central business district, specifically the Blue Light Arena area near Hello FM, has finally been brought under control by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The five-hour, forty-minute ordeal saw multiple two-story buildings consumed by flames, leaving numerous shops destroyed. Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO II Peter Tetteh (Fire Commander – Experienced, pragmatic) described the challenges faced by his team, highlighting the extreme congestion within the market as a significant impediment to their efforts. This density, he explained, severely hampered access for fire engines and personnel, delaying containment. The diverse nature of goods stored within the shops – from textiles to highly flammable materials – further complicated firefighting operations, turning what could have been a contained incident into a protracted battle.
The intense heat and precarious nature of some of the structures added to the complexity of the operation. Reports from eyewitnesses, including Madam Ama Kissi (Shop Owner – Distraught, resilient), who owned a small textile shop near the epicentre of the blaze, described scenes of utter chaos as frantic shop owners attempted to salvage their goods while battling smoke and collapsing debris. The fire’s rapid spread through the tightly packed buildings raised concerns about the safety standards within the market, leaving many questioning future preventive measures. Commander Tetteh stressed that despite significant progress, overhaul operations were ongoing to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent any further flare-ups. The GNFS investigation into the cause of the fire was to commence immediately following the completion of overhaul operations.
Though the immediate danger has passed, the economic impact on the affected businesses and the broader community remains a significant concern. The charred remains of numerous shops stand as a stark reminder of the destructive power of fire and the critical need for improved infrastructure and safety measures within Kumasi’s bustling markets. The GNFS appealed for patience and cooperation during the investigation phase. The psychological impact on the affected shop owners and their families is likely to be significant in the coming days and weeks. While relief is felt that the blaze is under control, the long road to recovery has just begun.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
