The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has expressed deep sorrow over the fire that ravaged the China City Mall at Santasi, destroying property worth millions of dollars.
The fire, which started on Thursday evening at the rear of the building, quickly spread through the mall, engulfing sections that housed groceries, electronics, and household goods. Witnesses said the blaze intensified so rapidly that many traders were unable to salvage their merchandise.
Addressing the media, Mayor Agyemang described the incident as a major setback for the city and the affected business community.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost millions of dollars out of this fire. The owners, I am told, are out of the country, but their workers and representatives are here. We will do everything possible to engage the investors, calm their concerns, and assure them of government’s full support,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of the mall to the local economy, noting that it employs hundreds of young people in Kumasi.
“These are foreign investors who have come to support our economy and create jobs. We will assist them in every possible way to rebuild and resume operations,” he added.
The mayor confirmed that there were no casualties, as firefighters and bystanders managed to safely evacuate all workers before the fire spread.
“Thankfully, everyone was evacuated safely. What we have lost is property, not lives,” he noted.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and is assessing the extent of the damage.
The China City Mall, which opened earlier this year, had quickly become a bustling commercial hub for residents of Kumasi and nearby communities.
