Fire Destroys 150 Stalls at Afful Nkwanta Market, Traders Lose Millions

A devastating fire has swept through the Afful Nkwanta Market in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, destroying more than 150 stalls and leaving traders with losses running into millions of Ghana cedis.

The blaze broke out at about 10:41 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2026, and was brought under control by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at 2:30 a.m., before being fully extinguished at 4:08 a.m.

According to the GNFS, the fire had already reached an advanced stage upon their arrival, spreading rapidly due to congestion and poor segregation of wares within the market.

Swift reinforcement from nearby fire stations and the availability of a functional fire hydrant prevented the inferno from spreading to adjoining structures.

Affected traders said most of the destroyed stalls housed fashion and shoe-making materials, with some goods already completed and awaiting delivery.

“These items cost millions of cedis. I personally lost about GH¢80,000 in the fire,” one trader said.

No casualties were recorded, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, commended the firefighting team, led by ADO I Bright Amuzu, for their professionalism.