Kumasi fire: Two arrested for looting

The devastating fire that swept through Kumasi’s Adum business district on Friday, March 21, has finally been brought under control after nearly six hours of intense firefighting, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed.

The blaze, which erupted around 6 a.m. at the Blue Light Arena near Hello FM, tore through multiple two-storey buildings, reducing several shops to rubble. Firefighters battled thick smoke and accessibility challenges due to the market’s congestion.

Amid the chaos, two individuals were caught attempting to loot from affected stores and were swiftly apprehended. Authorities remain on high alert to prevent further criminal activity as investigations continue into both the fire and the looting attempts.

Speaking at the scene, Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO II Peter Tetteh highlighted congestion as a key obstacle that delayed firefighting efforts. GNFS has since begun overhaul operations to eliminate remaining fire pockets.