The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has dismissed claims that the recent fire outbreak at Adum Market in Kumasi was caused by power outages.

According to Ing. George Amoah, Ashanti West Regional General Manager of ECG, the market operates on a dedicated power distribution line, the Town Hall Feeder, with an alternative supply from Power House 2. He assured that both sources were fully operational before the fire incident.

He stressed that ECG prioritizes uninterrupted power supply to the area, which is a critical revenue hub. However, he acknowledged that past power disruptions were primarily due to vandalism and theft of transformers and cables, not systematic outages.

Ing. Amoah further explained that ECG only cut off power supply after the fire broke out to support firefighting efforts. He pointed to other potential risks, including outdated electrical wiring, illegal connections, and substandard installations, which could contribute to fire hazards.

“The distribution feeder that serves the enclave is one of the healthiest feeders in the Ashanti West Region and for the past three weeks we’ve not experienced any outage in that enclave,” Ing. Amoah stated.

He urged traders to engage certified electricians in line with LI 2008 regulations to enhance safety. Additionally, he clarified that a recent power outage in parts of Kumasi had no impact on the market and was unrelated to the fire.

The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, March 21, destroyed several shops and left traders counting their losses.