The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has expressed deep sorrow over the fire outbreak that ravaged the China City Mall at Santasi, destroying goods and property worth millions of dollars.
The blaze, which started at the rear section of the building on Thursday, rapidly spread through the complex, gutting several shops dealing in groceries, electronics, and household items. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread so quickly that most traders were unable to salvage their merchandise.
Speaking after visiting the scene, Mayor Agyemang described the incident as a major setback for the city’s business community.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost millions of dollars’ worth of goods in this fire. The owners, I am told, are out of the country, but their workers and representatives are here,” he said.
He added that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would engage with the mall’s investors to provide support and restore confidence.
“We will reach out to the investors as soon as possible to calm them and assure them of the nation’s support. These are foreign nationals who have invested in our country and provided jobs for many of our youth. We will do whatever we can to assist them to recover and possibly rebuild,” he pledged.
Mayor Agyemang confirmed that there were no casualties, noting that all employees were safely evacuated through the swift response of firefighters and the assistance of bystanders.
“The fire department, together with the public, ensured the safe evacuation of all staff. Thankfully, there were no injuries or loss of life only property damage,” he said.
China City Mall, which opened earlier this year, had quickly become a popular shopping hub in Kumasi. The Ghana National Fire Service has begun investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the destruction.
