The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in collaboration with the Board and management of the Kumasi Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region, has launched an operation to remove traders dealing in combustible and explosive materials within the market.

Authorities say chemicals such as carbide have been linked to recurring fire outbreaks that have destroyed goods and shops worth thousands of Ghana cedis over the years.

Traders selling the hazardous substances were earlier given up to Sunday, March 1, 2026, to vacate the market, but some have reportedly failed to comply.

The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadu, who also serves as Chairman of the Market Board, said the Assembly will not allow another devastating fire to occur at the facility.

Popularly known as King Zuba, the Mayor stressed that the exercise will continue until all traders dealing in potentially fire-triggering chemicals are removed from the market.

He directed affected traders to register with the Fire Service desk at the KMA to secure relocation space at the Racecourse Market, where the Assembly is preparing temporary arrangements while permanent containers are constructed.

The Mayor also urged traders operating near key installations, particularly fire hydrants and pavements, to relocate to prevent obstruction during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Combined Kumasi Kejetia and Central Market Traders Association has thrown its support behind the Assembly’s action.

The Association’s Secretary, Reuben Amey, said the safety of the majority of traders must not be compromised by the actions of a few, and encouraged affected traders to cooperate with authorities in the interest of securing the market.