Takoradi Makeshift Market Catches Fire

The fire, which began in the early hours of Monday, April 4, has damaged houses worth millions of Ghana Cedis so far.

Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa morning show, and his producer, Mpimpimhene Nana Gyetuah, had been in the market since the fire started.

Officials from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) battled the blaze with the help of Navy and Takoradi Port officials, who also brought in tenders and water tankers.

The biggest issue that the firefighters faced was the tenders’ inability to gain entry to the market, while getting water from hydrants in the city was also a problem.

Despite this, the firemen, who appeared powerless at first, were able to put the fire under control after four hours.

When the Omanbapa morning show team arrived on the scene, market ladies, who appeared scared, were seen salvaging their things from their shops, while others, who had come to see their items burned, were seen crying.

It is too early to assign blame, according to Western Region Minister Kwabena Otchere-Darko Mensah, but the situation will be examined and individuals impacted will be adequately supported.

Reconstruction should begin “this week,” according to the Takoradi Member of Parliament.

The improvised market is fewer than 50 meters from the Takoradi Market Police Station’s new location. It’s also close to Takoradi’s GPHA Clubhouse.

It’s a temporary location where vendors have been transferred to allow for the reconstruction of Takoradi’s main market.

Yam, groundnuts, beans, textiles, food spices, and cooked dishes are among the items sold at the market.