Kumasi Mayor assures China City Mall owners of gov’t support after fire
The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has expressed deep regret over the fire that devastated the China City Mall at Santasi, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars in goods and property.
The fire, which began on Thursday at the back of the building, quickly engulfed the mall, causing extensive damage to shops selling groceries, electronics and household items. Witnesses reported that the flames spread so rapidly that many traders could not save their goods.
Speaking on the incident, Mayor Agyemang said: “It is unfortunate that we have lost millions of dollars in this fire, and it is sad. The owners, I am told, are out of the country, but their workers and representatives are here.
“We will try as much as possible to speak to the investors as early as feasible, calm them, and offer them the nation’s support. These are foreign nationals who have come to invest in our country. They employ hundreds of our youth, so we will do whatever we have to do to assist them, if possible, to come back.”
The mayor reassured the public that there were no casualties in the incident, noting that all staff were safely evacuated with assistance from firefighters and bystanders.
“The fire department was able to evacuate all the staff. All the workers, with the help of bystanders, were able to evacuate. What we have is the losses that we have,” he added.
China City Mall, which opened earlier this year, had become a popular shopping destination for Kumasi residents.
The Ghana National Fire Service is currently investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the full extent of the damage.
