A devastating fire has gutted the warehouse of the newly opened China Mall at Santasi in the Kumasi Metropolis, destroying goods and property estimated to be worth several millions of Ghana cedis.
The blaze broke out around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, which triggered panic among residents and disrupted power supply in the surrounding areas.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began at the rear of the facility and spread to consume the warehouse due to the highly combustible nature of the stored materials, including plastics, fabrics, furniture, and electronic appliances.
“I was driving past when I saw heavy smoke rising from behind the mall. Within minutes, the entire area was covered in flames. The heat was so intense that people couldn’t get close,” recounted a nearby shop owner.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly, deploying fire tenders from the Kumasi Metro, Komfo Anokye, and Asokwa stations. Despite their efforts, the inferno proved difficult to contain, and the warehouse was completely destroyed.
Firefighters worked for hours to prevent the flames from spreading to the main shopping complex, which houses retail shops, offices, and food outlets.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Henry Giwah, Ashanti Regional Commander of the GNFS, led the firefighting operations and confirmed the severity of the incident.
“It’s an extensive fire, and our men are doing their best to contain it. We can confirm that millions of cedis worth of property have been destroyed. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and assess the total loss,” he stated.
Emergency response teams from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were also present to support operations and ensure public safety. Power supply to the area was temporarily cut off to avert further electrical hazards.
The fire caused significant disruption along the busy Santasi–Obuasi Road, as police diverted traffic to allow emergency vehicles access and manage the large crowd that had gathered.
Although no fatalities were reported, several workers and customers sustained minor injuries during the chaotic evacuation.
The mall, which opened in July this year, had quickly become a popular shopping destination for Kumasi residents.
The Management of China Mall has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the facility described the incident as a major setback for the company.
Local traders and residents have expressed growing concern over the frequency of fire outbreaks affecting commercial establishments in Kumasi.
Many are calling on city authorities to strengthen fire safety regulations, enforce routine inspections, and ensure that large retail facilities are adequately equipped with firefighting systems.
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council is expected to collaborate with GNFS and NADMO to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the disaster. Officials have assured the public that a detailed report will be released upon conclusion of investigations.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
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