• 2026 begins in flames as Kasoa New Market fire adds to growing list of nationwide outbreaks
• New year same disasters as market fires expose Ghana’s persistent fire safety failures
• Wave of fires early 2026 raises questions over preparedness as Kasoa market goes up in flames
A major fire outbreak has swept through the Kasoa New Market, causing widespread panic among traders and residents and prompting an extensive emergency response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The blaze, which broke out earlier today, has affected several sections of the busy commercial hub, one of the largest markets serving Kasoa and its surrounding communities.
Firefighters from the Kasoa Fire Station were the first to respond after distress calls were received. Due to the intensity of the fire and the congested nature of the market, support was quickly requested from the Weija Fire Station. As the situation escalated, GNFS headquarters authorized the deployment of all available water pumps from Accra to reinforce the firefighting operation, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the incident.
According to preliminary reports from the scene, the fire spread rapidly through makeshift wooden stalls and tightly packed structures, many of which contained highly flammable goods. Thick smoke covered large parts of the market area, forcing traders to flee and abandon their wares in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Some traders were seen trying to salvage goods, while others watched helplessly as the flames consumed their livelihoods.
Security personnel have cordoned off parts of the market to ensure the safety of the public and to allow emergency responders unhindered access. Residents living close to the market were also advised to temporarily move away from the immediate area as a precautionary measure.
Although the full extent of damage is yet to be officially assessed, early indications suggest that several stalls and goods worth thousands of cedis may have been destroyed. As of the time of this report, no casualties have been officially confirmed. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze while working to prevent it from spreading to nearby residential buildings and shops.
Officials from the Ghana National Fire Service have indicated that investigations into the cause of the fire will begin once the flames are completely extinguished and the area declared safe. In recent years, markets across the country have experienced similar incidents, often linked to electrical faults, unsafe cooking practices, or poor enforcement of fire safety regulations.
The Kasoa New Market fire has once again raised concerns about fire preparedness, emergency response capacity, and safety standards in major commercial centers. Traders’ associations and local authorities are expected to engage with government agencies in the coming days to assess losses and explore possible relief measures for affected victims.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate fully with emergency services as efforts continue to bring the situation under control. Further updates are expected as firefighting operations progress and more details emerge.
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