Efforts to control a raging fire at Adum Market in Kumasi have been hindered by obstructive structures, forcing authorities to deploy excavators and bulldozers to clear pathways for firefighters.

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A national security operative on-site revealed that officers from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have faced significant challenges reaching the core of the fire due to makeshift wooden structures built along railway lines within the market. He emphasized that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen.

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“There's water in the tenders, but how to get to the source of the fire is the problem. The structures, these wooden structures that they have on the railway, that is the major problem. The military has come, and they are bringing extra people to help us,” he told reporters.

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He further disclosed that heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, would be brought in to clear the area, ensuring fire trucks gain access.

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“The way forward is we are bringing excavators, bulldozers to come and clear this so the fire tenders will get access.”

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The inferno, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21, has already caused extensive damage to businesses. Firefighters have been battling the blaze for hours, and according to the security operative, the operation could take up to five hours to fully bring it under control.

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“I think it can take extra 3, 4 hours to quench the fire. We have 11 tenders here. So it will take about 4, 5 hours to quench it,” he stated.

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Reports indicate that the fire started in a section of the market known for selling second-hand clothing and housing tailors, seamstresses, and watch repairers. Due to the presence of highly flammable materials, the flames spread rapidly, making containment efforts more difficult.

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Firefighters initially deployed six trucks to the scene, but access to the fire has been severely restricted by congestion within the market. Narrow pathways and wooden kiosks have forced emergency responders to maneuver through tight spaces while attempting to put out the blaze.

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Meanwhile, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has visited the scene to assess the damage and receive a briefing from national security operatives coordinating the emergency response.

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