A devastating fire has completely destroyed the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, reducing the newly opened commercial complex to ashes and wiping out goods worth thousands of cedis.
The blaze, which broke out on Thursday, October 30, quickly engulfed the multi-storey structure, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky that were visible from several kilometres away.
According to officials of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Preliminary reports, however, indicate that the flames may have started from the rear section of the building before spreading rapidly through adjoining shops.
“We received a distress call and immediately dispatched two fire tenders to the scene,” a GNFS officer told MyJoyOnline. “Our men worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control, but the intensity made it extremely difficult.”
Despite hours of effort, firefighters were unable to save the structure. The inferno consumed nearly every section of the mall, which housed dozens of shops selling electronics, home décor, clothing, and groceries.
No Casualties, But Major Losses
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirmed that no casualties had been recorded as of Thursday evening. However, the scale of destruction was described as “enormous,” with traders and business owners left in tears over their losses.
“It was terrifying, within minutes, the whole place was burning,” said one shop attendant who narrowly escaped the flames. “We couldn’t take anything out. Everything is gone.”
The mall, which opened earlier this year, had quickly become a popular shopping destination for residents of Kumasi and surrounding towns, offering affordable imported goods. Its destruction marks a significant economic setback for traders and employees who depended on it for their livelihoods.
Investigations Underway
The GNFS has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage. The Service also cautioned business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations, citing a worrying surge in market and commercial property fires across Ghana in recent months.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander has assured the public that findings from the investigation will be made public once completed, adding that lessons from the tragedy will inform future safety protocols.
The incident at China City Mall adds to growing concerns over fire preparedness and compliance among commercial facilities nationwide. For many traders, however, the immediate concern is recovery, and how to rebuild from the ashes of a dream that went up in flames within hours.
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