The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has pointed to an electrical fault or potential arson as the likely causes of the devastating fire that tore through Kantamanto Market in Accra on January 2, 2025.
The fire, which broke out around 1:19 a.m., destroyed more than 100 shops, leaving traders in distress. Preliminary investigations by the GNFS suggest faulty electrical connections, a common issue in the market, could have sparked the blaze. However, the possibility of arson remains under investigation. Alex King Nartey, Public Relations Officer for the GNFS, stated, “We suspect electrical faults, but there are also indications that this could have been a deliberate act. An investigation is ongoing.”
The fire caused significant damage, destroying goods worth millions of cedis, and traders have called for urgent government intervention. Firefighters struggled to access the site due to obstructions, delaying their efforts to control the flames.
Nartey stressed the need for better fire safety measures in markets across the country. He highlighted that outdated infrastructure and insufficient equipment complicate the ability to combat large fires. “We need more logistical support and modern equipment to deal with emergencies effectively,” he said.
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