President Mahama calls for stricter fire safety after devastating Kumasi market blaze

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stricter fire safety measures in markets following a devastating fire that swept through the Adum Central Business District in Kumasi, destroying hundreds of shops.

Touring the scene on Friday, March 21, President Mahama sympathised with affected traders and pledged support for those who lost their livelihoods.

However, he urged market vendors to prioritise safety, warning against the use of gas cylinders for cooking in market spaces—an issue believed to have contributed to the blaze.

“We must take fire safety seriously. Cooking in the market, especially with gas cylinders, poses a serious risk. Preventing such disasters must be a shared responsibility,” he cautioned.

The fire, which started in the early hours of Friday, spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable materials stored in the shops.

Firefighters struggled to contain the inferno due to obstructed access routes and delayed response times. Some traders linked the disaster to ongoing power outages, raising concerns about electrical faults as a possible cause.

Mahama also called for a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences, emphasising the need for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness in Ghana’s markets.

His visit was met with gratitude from traders, many of whom expressed relief at his assurance of support in the aftermath of their losses.

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