A raging fire has destroyed several shops and residential units in a one-storey commercial and residential building at the Old Traffic Light area, near the Koforidua Central Police Station, in the Eastern Region.
The fire, which broke out at about 11:02 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 reportedly caused extensive damage to businesses and property before firefighters succeeded in bringing it under control.
Among the affected businesses were Kwaku Showboy Boutique, Mama Pee Collections and an alcohol and wine shop, while residential portions of the building were also badly affected.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the New Juaben North Municipal Fire Station received a distress call at 2302 hours, prompting the immediate mobilisation of a 10-member firefighting team led by SO II Nartey.
The crew arrived at the scene at 2315 hours and found the building fully engulfed in flames.
Fire fighting operations commenced immediately, with the blaze brought under control at 01:23 hours before it was completely extinguished at 0304 hours.
The GNFS said the swift intervention of its personnel prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining properties and helped minimize the extent of the destruction.
FIRE DESTROYS PROPERTY
The intensity of the fire resulted in extensive damage to personal care products, electrical cables, fascia boards, lights, jewellery, paints, drinks, air conditioners, mobile phones and accessories, clothing, footwear, personal belongings and roofing sheets.
The first floor of the building completely collapsed, while sections of the ground floor also suffered partial collapse.
The structural integrity of the building has subsequently been compromised, forcing authorities to cordon off the affected premises to prevent unauthorized entry.
One firefighter reportedly sustained an injury after being struck by falling debris during the operation and the extent of the injury was not immediately known.
At the height of the fire, there were unconfirmed reports that a man identified as Richard Kofi Ofori, who was allegedly sleeping in a room on the upper floor, could have been trapped inside the burning building. The reports triggered anxiety among residents and onlookers gathered at the scene.
The man was, however, later reported to have emerged alive, bringing relief to residents who had feared that the fire might have claimed a life.
The circumstances surrounding his presence in the building and his escape could not be independently established as of press time.
As the firefighters battled the flames shop owners, residents and other occupants were seen desperately attempting to salvage some merchandise, personal belongings and other valuables from the affected premises.
Some traders returned to the scene after the fire had been brought under control to search through the debris for whatever could be recovered.
The incident has left several business operators and residents counting substantial financial losses.
REGIONAL MINISTER VISITS SCENE
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, visited the scene to assess the damage and observe the emergency response.
She commended personnel of the GNFS, the Ghana Police Service and members of the public who assisted in efforts to contain the fire.
The Minister also urged residents and business operators to take fire-prevention measures seriously, particularly in areas where commercial and residential activities are concentrated.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah, was also at the scene as emergency operations continued.
Police reportedly arrested a person alleged to have attempted to take advantage of the confusion surrounding the incident to steal from affected properties.
The New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive, Ransford Owusu Boakye, also visited the scene and received a briefing from the fire service on the firefighting operation.
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