Over 50 shops razed down by inferno at Kumasi CBD

A devastated fire outbreak has ravaged over 50 shops in the Central Business District of Adum in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The fire which began at the popular Blue Light arena, close to Hello FM, around 4:30am spread rapidly as fire officers made attempts to quench the blaze.

The fire which was fueled by highly combustible materials stored in many of the shops, also proved challenging for firefighters to contain, extending to other shops near Roman Hill and old Kajetia Market.

Panicking traders were desperately seen breaking into their shops to throw out their wares as the fire ravaged.

Most of the affected shops deal in mobile phones and accessories, jewellery, and clothing.

The inferno, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, March 21, at about 4:30am rapidly spread to adjacent shops, inflicting significant losses on business owners.

Despite the swift response by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to the scene, the GNFS faced significant obstacles in accessing the affected area as some petty traders had blocked the area with some unauthorised structures.

Several fire tenders arrived at the scene but personnel from the GNFS found it difficult to bring the situation under control.

The cause of the fire us yet to be ascertained according to GNFS personnel.

Despite huge presence of policemen amd other security personnel, some unscrupulous residents were also present stealing some of the goods the fire victims had managed to take from their shops.

Three persons eluded by luck were beaten mercilessly by some of the residents who were helping the victims.

However, the police managed to safe them from the angry residents and escorted them (thieves) to the police station.

Ashanti Regional Minister visit

Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene was at the scene with some staff from the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to have first hand information of the situation. He was later taken around the affected areas

The Ashanti Regional Minister was also seen commiserating with some of the victims, assuring them of government’ s support.

As at the time of filing this report the GNFS personnel were still not able to control the inferno, extending the duration of the inferno to over five hours.