A devastating fire has gutted a cluster of fitting shops at Mempeasem, a suburb of Asawase in Kumasi, destroying more than 100 motorcycles, 10 vehicles, and at least 15 container shops.
The blaze, which broke out around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, left a trail of destruction, with properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis reduced to ashes before it was brought under control.
Eyewitnesses say the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, although some residents suspect it may be linked to ongoing power fluctuations in the area, potentially triggering an electrical fault.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded to the scene but arrived after the flames had already caused extensive damage. Firefighters eventually managed to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
The fire has severely impacted livelihoods within the area, with residents estimating that about 100 artisans, several shop owners, and a laundry business employing nearly 30 workers have been affected.
Victims say the destruction has left them in distress, as many have lost both personal investments and customers’ property.
One of the affected artisans, identified as Masa Kojo, described the incident as a major setback.
“This place has never experienced a fire outbreak since we started working here. As for what caused it, only experts can determine that. By the time the fire service arrived, the damage had already been done,” he said.
Workers at the destroyed laundry facility also expressed concern over the loss of customers’ belongings.
“We had many customers’ items here, and everything has been burnt. We couldn’t salvage a single item. Now the burden is on us, and we don’t know what to do,” they lamented.
The victims are appealing to government and the general public for urgent assistance to help them rebuild their businesses and recover from the losses.