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Ghana’s markets are in a state of disrepair, with the country lacking properly standardized markets, except for the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, according to Ing. Abdulai Mahama, a renowned Building and Road Consultant.
Ing. Mahama’s assessment comes in the wake of a devastating fire that ravaged over 50 mobile phone shops behind the VVIP Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle on January 20, 2026.
Speaking to the media, Ing. Mahama attributed the frequent market fires to systemic failures in planning and the absence of vital safety infrastructure. He emphasized that the lack of fire hydrants, a fundamental necessity for commercial hubs, is a critical lapse that needs to be addressed.
“I can say on authority that with the exception of maybe the Kejetia Market, which even has a few challenges, we don’t have any standardized market in Ghana,” he stated.
The consultant’s comments highlight the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s market infrastructure to protect the livelihoods of traders and vendors. The government’s agenda of cutting waste and ensuring accountability must prioritize standardizing market infrastructure, experts suggest.
The recent fire incident at Kwame Nkrumah Circle is a stark reminder of the “triple dependency” on outdated systems and the urgent need for a “reset” in national safety protocols. As Ghana strives to develop its economy, investing in modern and safe market infrastructure is crucial for sustainable growth and development.
Ing. Mahama’s call for action underscores the importance of building “systems that work” and moving away from “patchwork success stories”. The absence of fire hydrants and other safety measures in Ghana’s markets is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
