A massive fire swept through the Nadowli Market on Saturday, February 7, 2026, destroying dozens of stalls and leaving traders grappling with significant losses.
The blaze reportedly started around 2:00 p.m. and quickly spread through the market, consuming goods and structures in its path. Eyewitnesses said the fire began after a woman, who had recently completed construction of a new stall, allegedly set fire to nearby refuse, which rapidly got out of control.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly, but their efforts were hampered by a shortage of water. Reports indicate that the fire tender exhausted its supply, and attempts to refill from the town’s main hydrant were unsuccessful, making it difficult to contain the flames.
The District Chief Executive, Mary Haruna, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate an emergency response. She mobilized local residents to assist firefighters, with community members using buckets and basins in an attempt to control the fire.
Traders who rushed to the market could only watch helplessly as their stalls and merchandise were destroyed. Many have suffered heavy losses, raising concerns about the economic impact on the local trading community and the livelihoods of affected traders.
