In 2025, Ghana experienced several significant fire incidents, causing extensive damage to businesses, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Below is a breakdown of the major fire outbreaks:
Kantamanto Market Fire (January 1, 2025)
On New Year’s Day, a devastating fire engulfed Accra’s Kantamanto Market, one of the world’s largest secondhand clothing markets. The blaze destroyed thousands of stalls, affecting approximately 8,000 traders and resulting in economic losses estimated in the millions of Ghanaian cedis.
Preliminary investigations pointed to faulty electrical connections as a probable cause, though arson was not ruled out. In response to the tragedy, The Or Foundation committed $1 million to support cleanup and rebuilding efforts, highlighting the market’s global importance in sustainable fashion.
Kumasi Central Business District Fire (March 21, 2025)
In March, a significant fire outbreak struck Kumasi’s central business district, affecting three major storey-buildings and numerous shops. The inferno caused substantial property losses and disrupted commercial activities.
Following the incident, President John Dramani Mahama visited the site and stressed the urgent need for improved market planning to prevent future fires. He highlighted how inadequate access roads hampered firefighting efforts and pledged support for affected traders through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relief agencies.
