A Kumasi district court has sentenced a food vendor to 20 days in prison for repeatedly using open fire to prepare food at the Alabar Market, in violation of public market regulations.
Her Worship Deborah Gyawa Donkor of District Court Two at the Prempeh Assembly Hall handed down the ruling on Tuesday, March 17, after prosecutors argued that the vendor, Kande Seidu, ignored multiple directives from the Environmental Health Unit of the Manhyia South Sub-Metro Council.
According to court documents, Seidu and her sibling, Fati Seidu, had been warned on several occasions under the Public Market By-Laws (2020) to stop cooking with firewood in the market, which posed a risk of fire outbreaks and smoke nuisance to the public.
“They were repeatedly advised to relocate to a suitable area where open fire could be safely used, but the warnings went unheeded,” the prosecution told the court.
The case dates back to January 15, 2026, when health officers discovered the duo preparing food with firewood during a routine inspection. Fati Seidu remained in court and pleaded guilty, subsequently being fined GH₵1,200. Kande Seidu, however, left the courtroom before her case was called during a hearing on February 23, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant.
Authorities later arrested Kande Seidu, leading to her detention and sentencing.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly said the enforcement of the by-laws is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety, hygiene, and sanitation in public markets across the city.
The case highlights the challenges of balancing traditional cooking practices with modern health and safety regulations in busy Ghanaian markets.
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