A devastating fire swept through the Zabzugu yam market in the Northern Region on Monday afternoon, destroying multiple stalls and large quantities of yams and other merchandise.

Eyewitnesses reported that the flames spread rapidly through the wooden structures, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among traders and nearby residents.

Among those hardest hit was trader Alhassan Amin, who watched helplessly as the fire consumed the stall he has relied on for years to support his family.

Speaking after the incident, Amin explained to Asaase Radio that he had stepped away briefly when the blaze erupted and quickly engulfed the market.

“Within minutes, all my yams, carefully arranged for customers, were destroyed,” he said.

He described the fire as a severe financial blow, noting that yam trading is his primary source of income.

Amin had recently restocked to meet expected demand, making the loss even more devastating. He expressed relief that no one was injured and called on the government and charitable organizations to assist affected traders in rebuilding their businesses.

Swift Response Prevents Wider Destruction

Firefighters from the Yendi Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly after receiving a distress call at 1:02 PM. The team arrived within minutes and immediately began tackling the flames to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

Through coordinated efforts, the blaze was brought under control by 2:15 PM and fully extinguished by 2:35 PM.

The operation, led by DO III James Zooyar, Yendi Municipal Operations Officer, successfully saved several yam mounds and adjacent residential structures.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while affected traders await support to recover from the losses.