The Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi has been devastated by yet another fire, the second in just two weeks, leaving traders counting their losses after the blaze destroyed properties worth thousands of cedis.
The fire, which erupted in the early hours of Sunday, consumed the main sawmill, essential equipment, and large logs of wood critical to the market’s operations. Despite the efforts of local residents to extinguish the flames, the intensity of the fire quickly overwhelmed them.
“I’ve lost everything,” lamented one trader. “We need urgent intervention to prevent this from happening again.”
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the blaze, which comes on the heels of a similar incident on January 4, at another major wood market in the Ashanti Region.
Thankfully, no casualties were reported, but the impact on livelihoods has been devastating. Traders are appealing to local authorities to prioritize safety measures by installing fire hydrants and other essential equipment to mitigate future disasters.
“We cannot keep rebuilding after every fire,” said another affected trader. “It’s time for real solutions to protect our businesses and our future.”
As the community rallies to support those affected, the traders are left grappling with the destruction, hopeful that action will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
