Koforidua: Newly constructed apartment gutted by fire; occupants blame ECG disconnection

A newly constructed three-bedroom self-contained apartment in Two Streams, Koforidua, was completely destroyed by a fire on Thursday afternoon, leaving occupants, including a newlywed pregnant couple, homeless.

Though no lives were lost, the fire consumed everything except three salvaged gas cylinders.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded quickly but faced challenges due to the building’s layout and an aging fire tender.

Occupants blame the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for the tragedy, alleging that an abrupt electricity disconnection over a disputed GHS 6,000 bill caused the fire.

Witnesses reported that police had accompanied ECG staff during the disconnection.

Assembly Member Citizen Kofi Tetteh has vowed to seek justice for the victims, promising to escalate the matter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and explore legal options.

GNFS has launched an investigation, with preliminary findings pointing to an electrical fault as the potential cause.

The victims, now in despair, are calling for accountability and urgent support.