Fire tears through shops, residential properties in Koforidua

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the bustling Central Business District of Koforidua, Ghana. The inferno, ignited near the well-known Old Traffic Light, quickly spread to a cluster of old buildings that served dual roles as commercial establishments and residential dwellings. At approximately 11:02 p.m., emergency services were alerted, with firefighters from New Juaben North Municipal Fire Station arriving just 13 minutes later, swiftly deploying a crew of 10 at the scene.

Despite their rapid response, the flames had already engulfed the entire one-storey building by the time the team had arrived. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night, successfully containing the blaze by 1:23 a.m. and managing to extinguish the fire completely at 3:04 a.m. Their efforts were instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring businesses and properties, although the damage to the affected building was extensive.

The fire resulted in significant loss for several local businesses, which had suffered the loss of stock and equipment. Items destroyed included mobile phones, accessories, clothing, footwear, beverages, paints, electrical cables, personal care products, and jewelry. The force of the fire had also severely compromised the building's structure, leading to the collapse of the first floor and parts of the ground floor.

In response to the catastrophe, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, visited the site and deemed the building's condition untenable due to the fire's extensive damage. She emphasized the necessity of demolition to avert potential collapses and safeguard the community from further harm. The structure, an old mud building, had been in a precarious state prior to the fire, adding to concerns over the safety of such antiquated commercial edifices in densely populated areas of Koforidua.

Authorities are currently engaged in preliminary investigations to determine the origin of the fire. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old man was apprehended after he was found attempting to remove items from one of the affected shops. This incident has sparked fresh debates regarding the structural vulnerability of old commercial buildings in Koforidua's crowded neighborhoods, prompting authorities to assess the remaining damage and deliberate on the building's future.