Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and National Security are working to clear the rubble of the China City Mall in Kumasi after a massive fire gutted the facility.
The mall, located at Santasi and opened just six months ago, was consumed by the blaze on Thursday afternoon, destroying goods worth millions of dollars.
Owners of the mall, visibly distraught, could only watch as their investment went up in flames.
“I was returning from class when I saw smoke coming from the back of the mall. We rushed to the scene and called the firefighters, who said they were on their way,” an eyewitness recounted.
At least four fire tenders responded to the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire engulfed the entire building, which housed shops selling electronics, home accessories, and groceries.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as firefighters continue their investigations.
Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi and Regional Fire Commander ACFO Peter Tettey were at the scene to assess the damage.
“We can’t enter because the building may collapse soon. They were on break when the fire started. Highly combustible items and the building’s own flammable materials caused the fire to spread quickly,” the Regional Fire Commander explained.
The Mayor added, “We have called for DRIP machines to help bring in more water and assist with pulling down the structure.”
It took firefighters several hours to completely douse the flames, with pockets of fire still visible within the ruins.
No casualties were reported.
The mall had become a popular shopping destination for residents of Kumasi and nearby communities. Excavators are expected to move in to demolish the structure in the coming days, clearing the way for possible redevelopment.