The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has indicated that an electrical fault is the likely cause of the fire that tore through the Kasoa New Market, destroying hundreds of stalls and leaving traders counting heavy losses.
The blaze broke out at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and quickly spread through the busy market, consuming goods valued at thousands of cedis.
More than 300 stalls were affected, disrupting livelihoods and deepening concerns about safety at one of the area’s most active trading centres.
This incident marks the second major fire to hit the same section of the market within a year, heightening anxiety among traders who fear a repeat if conditions do not improve.
Many watched helplessly as flames engulfed their shops, wiping out years of investment in a matter of hours.
Speaking at the scene, Central Regional Fire Service Commander, ACFO II Merinda Atigah Mensah, said preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from an electrical power issue.
“When my men arrived, they detected an electrical fault, and CCTV footage also pointed to electrical power as the source of the fire,” she said.
She, however, noted that investigations are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to guide future safety planning for the market.
Some traders accused the Fire Service of responding late, but the Commander explained that the Service was alerted almost an hour after the fire had started.
She also cited challenges such as limited access, difficulties with water supply and resistance from some individuals at the scene, which affected firefighting efforts.
The Fire Service says it will continue investigations and work closely with market authorities to review safety measures, improve electrical installations and reduce the risk of future fires at the Kasoa New Market.
