A raging fire engulfed portions of the Obuasi Central Market, destroying at least 12 shops and rendering traders helpless.
Authorities said they got calls about the blaze at about 6:01 GMT on Wednesday (13 March), prompting an immediate evacuation. Witnesses at the scene said fire engines from AngloGold Ashanti and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were dispatched to battle the inferno and have since declared the situation under control.
“The fire was well alight when we arrived”, said the Obuasi municipal fire commander DO3 Rita Agboli. “So, we sought support from AngloGold Ashanti to battle the blaze. So far 12 shops have been burned. The fire intensified because of the wooden structures erected at the market”.
“So, far we have started investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire. For now, we will intensify public education on fire-related matters to avert such disasters. There is the need to also check electrical installations in the market because it could be an underlying factor”, she added.
Access to the market site has been restricted as clean-up operation commences. Items include bail of clothes, consumables, confectionaries among other electrical appliances. Affected victims are still counting their losses as the incident has slowed business activities at the enclave. One of them Ernest Kofi Prah, a tailor, is seeking an urgent intervention as his livelihood is at stake.
“I have lost everything. All my machines have been destroyed. This is a huge investment, and I am pleading with authorities to come to my aid. This is what I do for a living, and I fear the coming days will not be too good”, Prah said amid tears.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Ashanti Region
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