The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has dismissed allegations linking the recent devastating fire at the Adum Central Market to persistent power outages.
According to ECG’s Ashanti West Regional General Manager, Ing. George Amoah, the affected area had a stable and dedicated power supply before the incident occurred.
Speaking to JoyNews monitored by News and Vibes, Ing. Amoah clarified that the market relied on the Town Hall Feeder, with an alternative line from Power House 2, both of which had been operating without any recorded power cuts for weeks before the fire.
He maintained that the ECG is awaiting an official report from the Ghana National Fire Service before making further conclusions.
Emphasising the importance of Adum as a key revenue hub, Ing. Amoah highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining a steady electricity supply to the business district.
However, he pointed out that the area has been plagued by vandalism and theft of electrical equipment, including transformers, cables, and switches.
He recalled that previous acts of vandalism had caused temporary blackouts in the area, including one near the old Melcom store that led to a 48-hour outage.
More recently, another case of theft occurred near Hello FM, close to the site of the fire outbreak, but power was swiftly restored after replacing the stolen items.
Addressing the fire itself, Ing. Amoah stressed that power was fully functional before the blaze began.
ECG only cut off electricity after the fire started to allow firefighters to work safely and to prevent further damage.
Since then, the company has managed to restore power to parts of the market and is monitoring the situation before reconnecting the remaining areas.
The fire reportedly destroyed an ECG transformer, five electricity poles, and several cables.
In response, the ECG expressed sympathy for those affected and acknowledged the challenges posed by the market’s ageing infrastructure. Ing. Amoah noted that many of the buildings in the area have outdated wiring systems, with traders using substandard electrical cables and making illegal connections.
He urged traders to comply with LI 2008, which mandates the use of certified electrical wiring professionals to ensure safe installations.
He warned that poor wiring, lack of earthing systems, and overused electrical sockets increase the risk of fire hazards.
Refuting claims that a recent power outage in parts of Kumasi contributed to the fire, Ing. Amoah clarified that the Adum Market area did not experience any blackout at the time, as it was supplied power from the Ridge Bulk Supply Point rather than the affected Anwomaso BSP.
With investigations ongoing, the ECG maintains that its power infrastructure played no role in the fire and continues to prioritise electrical safety in the region.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
