A devastating fire broke out early Friday morning in the central business district of Adum, destroying several shops and leaving traders counting their losses. The blaze, which started around 6:00 a.m. at the ‘Blue Light’ area near Hello FM, spread quickly through two-storey buildings, affecting businesses dealing in mobile phones, accessories, jewelry, and clothing.
Eyewitnesses say the fire started after sparks were seen on a flickering electricity pole, igniting the top floor of one of the buildings. Panicked traders rushed to salvage their goods, some breaking into their locked shops in an attempt to retrieve merchandise before the flames consumed their properties.
Firefighters faced challenges in containing the inferno due to limited access and the presence of highly flammable materials in several shops. Authorities considered using excavators to create access routes for fire tenders, including demolishing walls to reach the affected area.
Amid the chaos, security personnel arrested two individuals suspected of looting goods from the burning shops. Military personnel were deployed to restore order as looters disrupted firefighting efforts.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, visited the scene with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and assured the public of ongoing efforts to contain the fire.
“I have visited the scene alongside the Regional Security Council (REGSEC). Additional fire tenders have been deployed by the Military to support the ongoing efforts. Access to the area remains restricted, and I urge everyone to cooperate fully with the emergency response teams to ensure effective operations,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as affected traders begin to assess their losses.
