Hundreds rendered homeless as fire destroys makeshift structures at Asawase Pelele

A fire erupted early Thursday morning, August 27, 2026, at Asawase Pelele in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region, destroying around 300 wooden structures along the Aboabo Pelele stream. This disaster displaced many families and annihilated homes, shops, and personal possessions, though no fatalities were reported.

The source of the fire is still under investigation; however, initial reports from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicate that a heater, plugged in by a resident to boil water, might have sparked the blaze. Some residents have also raised suspicions about narcotics use in the vicinity, though these claims have not been independently verified.

One victim recounted waking up to the alarm of burning structures at 5:30 a.m., only to see the fire engulf her mattress. She quickly evacuated without retrieving any belongings, only to find that most of her properties had already been consumed by the flames when the fire service arrived. Another victim, who runs a provision store, lamented that recent purchases valued at GH¢60,000 were completely destroyed.

Despite the extensive damage, residents expressed gratitude that no one was injured or killed, emphasizing their relief despite the loss of their livelihoods.

Firefighters from the Asokore Mampong station of the GNFS rushed to the scene but faced challenges accessing the area due to the wooden structures obstructing the routes. Fire Commander DO III Wikana Daniel informed the media that the distress call was received at 6:03 a.m., with firefighters arriving at 6:17 a.m. They managed to control the fire by 7:12 a.m., despite the wooden structures blocking their access.

Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting a plugged-in heater as a possible trigger.

In the immediate aftermath, some affected residents began rebuilding their wooden structures even before the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) could assess the damage. They are urgently seeking assistance to cope with the aftermath and calling for measures to prevent similar fires in the densely populated area.