Traders in Distress as Fire Destroys Over 40 Shops in Kwadaso

A tragic fire outbreak has torn through sections of the Kwadaso market in the Ashanti region, leaving a trail of destruction that includes over 40 shops and their merchandise.

The blaze, which ignited in the early hours of Thursday, August 1, 2024, has inflicted significant losses on traders, with goods such as fabrics, footwear, frozen foods, plantain, yam, and various other items being consumed by the flames.

Traders operating in the affected M line of the market are reeling from the aftermath, expressing anguish over the destruction of their businesses and the valuable goods they had invested in. Many now face the grim reality of financial ruin and uncertainty about their future livelihoods.

Speaking to Citi News, distressed traders shared heartbreaking stories of their losses and the challenges they now confront. One trader lamented the destruction of thousands of cedis worth of plantains that were bought on credit, highlighting the financial burden and debts they now face.

Another trader, Adwoa Connie, who deals in fabrics and other goods, recounted the devastation of losing her entire stock just a day after replenishing it. At 71 years old, with children in school, she pleaded for government assistance to help her rebuild her livelihood.

The response to the fire incident involved the deployment of two fire appliances, a fire tender, and a water tanker by the Ashanti Regional Fire Service. Despite facing obstacles due to market entrance blockages, the firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.

The Public Relations Officer of the fire service noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, which ravaged stalls and belongings without causing any casualties. The challenges encountered during the emergency response underscore the importance of ensuring unobstructed access to such areas to mitigate future incidents and expedite rescue efforts.

As the affected traders grapple with the devastating aftermath of the fire, their urgent need for support and assistance is a pressing concern that calls for swift and compassionate intervention to help them recover and rebuild their livelihoods.