The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in collaboration with the management of the Kejetia Dubai Market, the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has undertaken a special operation to remove traders dealing in explosive chemicals from the market as part of renewed efforts to prevent future fire disasters.
The exercise, carried out on Monday, March 2, 2026, targeted the sale and storage of highly combustible substances within the busy commercial enclave in Kumasi’s Central Business District. Items removed during the operation included perfumes, soda, carbide and other chemicals that are prone to explosion when exposed to excessive heat.
Authorities explained that the decisive action forms part of broader safety measures aimed at safeguarding lives, property and investments at the market, which has suffered significant damage from previous fire outbreaks.
Addressing traders during the operation, the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang, stated that plans to relocate traders dealing in such hazardous substances were initially scheduled for implementation in 2023 following an earlier fire incident, but were delayed due to logistical challenges. He stressed that the Assembly could no longer postpone the exercise, given the persistent risks associated with the sale of explosive chemicals in densely populated trading spaces.
He emphasized that the Assembly’s action was purely a preventive measure designed to protect the market from recurring disasters that have, over the years, resulted in severe financial losses to traders and disrupted commercial activities.
The Mayor directed all affected traders to submit their names to the Kejetia Fire Service to enable the authorities to determine the actual number of operators involved and facilitate arrangements for their relocation. According to him, the Assembly has secured alternative shops at the Racecourse area, where the traders will be moved within four weeks.
He assured the affected sellers that the relocation process would be handled in a structured and transparent manner, adding that the Assembly remains committed to working with all stakeholders to maintain a safe and orderly trading environment.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Combined Traders Association, Rubben Ameh, commended the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for what he described as a timely and commendable initiative. He noted that the decision to remove traders dealing in explosive chemicals is a proactive step that will significantly reduce the risk of future fire outbreaks at the market.
According to him, repeated fire incidents at the Kejetia Dubai Market and other trading centers have caused heavy losses to traders over the years, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. He therefore appealed to the affected sellers to cooperate fully with the Assembly and its partner institutions to ensure a smooth relocation process.
Mr. Ameh further urged all traders to prioritize safety in their operations, stressing that a fire-free environment is essential for sustaining businesses and protecting livelihoods within Kumasi’s bustling commercial hub.
The joint operation by the Assembly and its partners marks a renewed commitment by city authorities to strengthen fire prevention measures and ensure that the Kejetia Dubai Market remains a safe and secure center of commerce.
