Kumasi Central Market (Kejetia) is currently on fire.
The Kejetia Market is the largest open-air market in West Africa, serving as the trading hub for thousands of traders and customers in Ghana.
This market is located in the heart of Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti region in Ghana.
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The cause of the fire is still unknown, but eyewitnesses say that the fire started at around 10:30 am. Within a short period, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed several shops and stalls in the market.
The thick black smoke that emanated from the fire covered the whole market, making it difficult for the fire service personnel to access the affected areas.
The fire outbreak has caused a state of pandemonium in the market as traders and customers ran for safety.
The Ghana National Fire Service personnel arrived at the scene on time, but their efforts to quench the fire have been hampered by the size of the market and the intensity of the flames.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has called on the public to stay away from the market area to allow the fire service personnel to access the market and control the fire.
The KMA has also deployed heavy machinery to the market area to help demolish some of the affected stalls and make way for the fire service personnel.
The Kejetia Market has experienced several fires in the past, with most of the causes linked to faulty electrical systems, overcrowding, and the use of naked flames for cooking and heating.
The authorities have made efforts to address these issues, but it seems that the problem persists.
Breaking! Kejetia market in Kumasi on fire pic.twitter.com/UmUGDFnLIC
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The Kejetia Market is not just a market but also a cultural heritage site that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The market is known for its vibrant colors, unique crafts, and the bustling activities of traders and customers.
The fire outbreak is a significant setback for the traders and the local economy, as it will take time and resources to rebuild and restore the market to its former glory.
In conclusion, the fire outbreak at the Kejetia Market is a sad event that has caused significant damage to the market and affected the livelihoods of many traders.
The authorities should investigate the cause of the fire and take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts are with the traders and the people of Kumasi in these trying times.
