Santasi China Mall Engulfed in Flames: Millions Lost
A newly opened China Mall at Santasi, Kumasi, has been destroyed by a devastating fire, leaving business owners and shoppers in shock. What started as a typical Thursday afternoon quickly descended into chaos as flames ripped through the retail centre, turning merchandise worth millions of cedis into ashes.
Thick smoke billowed into the sky, drawing crowds of onlookers as the fire consumed the building. The mall, a recent symbol of business growth in Kumasi, was reduced to a smouldering shell. Workers and shoppers watched helplessly as the inferno raged.
Origin and Spread of the Blaze
Reports indicate that the fire originated in the warehouse section of the mall. Fueled by stacks of imported goods – electronics, furniture, clothing, and household appliances – the flames spread rapidly, making containment a significant challenge for firefighters.
Heroic Efforts by Firefighters
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly, deploying fire tenders from across Kumasi. Firefighters battled tirelessly against intense heat, exploding items, and limited access to certain areas of the building. ACFO Henry Giwah, the Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, emphasizing the rapid spread of the fire due to the nature of the materials stored inside. He assured the public that firefighters were doing everything possible to prevent further damage.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Police Service were also present to assist with the emergency response and manage the heavy traffic congestion along the Santasi–Obuasi road. The China Mall, which had quickly become a popular shopping destination since its opening a few months ago, now represents a significant setback for the city's commercial growth. The destruction is a painful blow to business operators and the local economy.
- The fire started in the warehouse section.
- Millions of cedis worth of goods were destroyed.
- GNFS worked hard to contain the blaze.
- NADMO and the Ghana Police Service assisted with the response.