A massive fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market has left traders in shock after an inferno ripped through sections of the commercial hub on the afternoon of Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully brought the fire under control after a gruelling operation involving eight fire engines mobilised from across two regions.

The Kasoa New Market fire is the latest in a series of major incidents marking the start of 2026. This follows the Kwame Nkrumah Circle fire just days ago.

According to an update provided by the GNFS, they received a distress call at exactly 16:50 hours (4:50 PM).

Officials explained that the first appliance dispatched from the Kasoa station immediately realised the scale of the disaster and called for urgent reinforcement.

To contain the blaze, a strategic cross-regional mobilisation was executed with two engines from the Central Region and six from the Greater Accra Region.

Despite the intensity of the flames, officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been recorded.

“We have confined the fire and as we speak, the fire is under control,” the officials assured during a live briefing.

The firefighting efforts were significantly hampered by familiar structural issues within the market.

The firefighters lamented that access routes were non-existent, as market women had taken over the streets, making it nearly impossible for the heavy engines to maneuver.

Furthermore, the operation faced a critical water shortage.

“We have not sighted even a single hydrant here. We have to commute far and near to go and look for water... it takes about 30 to 45 minutes before they will return.”

The officials also noted that the mixed-cargo nature of the market—where food, oils, salt, and other combustibles are sold together—contributed to the rapid spread, as there is no segregation of goods.

In a recurring trend, firefighters encountered uncomplimentary remarks and potential hostility from some members of the public during the operation.

However, the leader emphasised that the team remained focused on their mission.

“As professionals, we decided to overlook it and then we are fighting our fire,” he noted, urging the public to see the GNFS as “partners in development”.

While the fire is under control, the GNFS remains on-site to ensure the threat is completely neutralised.