China City Mall Blaze: Kumasi Mayor Promises Full Investigation and Preventive Measures

The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman, has pledged a full-scale investigation into the devastating fire that swept through the China City Mall located at Santase Star Junction in Kumasi in the early hours of Friday, October 31, 2025. The incident, which occurred before dawn, destroyed several shops and properties worth millions of Ghana cedis, sending waves of shock and sorrow across the metropolis.

In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Hon. Ofori-Agyeman expressed his deepest sympathy to the affected traders, shop owners, and all those whose livelihoods were impacted by the tragic event. He described the fire as a “heartbreaking occurrence” and assured the public that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will work closely with relevant authorities to uncover the true cause of the disaster and implement stronger preventive measures going forward.

“My deepest sympathy goes to the affected people in the China City Mall fire incident that happened at Santase Star Junction in the early hours of today. The Ghana National Fire Service and other officers are still on the ground working tirelessly to protect lives and properties. The necessary assessments will be carried out to ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak, and the rightful measures will be taken to prevent any future occurrence,” the Mayor stated.

According to preliminary reports from eyewitnesses, thick smoke began billowing from one of the upper sections of the complex shortly after midnight. Within minutes, the flames had spread through adjoining shops, consuming a significant portion of the multi-storey facility. Firefighters from the Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were quickly dispatched to the scene and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.

Although no casualties have been reported so far, several traders have been left devastated by the scale of destruction. Many shop owners who arrived at the scene early Friday morning were seen wailing as they watched their lifetime investments reduced to ashes. Some of the affected traders appealed to government and city authorities for urgent support to help them recover.

In his remarks, Hon. Ofori-Agyeman commended the bravery and professionalism of the fire officers and other emergency responders who risked their lives to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures. He noted that the incident highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety enforcement and routine inspections in commercial complexes across Kumasi.

“The Assembly will not only ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted, but we will also intensify our fire safety education and enforcement programs within all major business centres in the city. The safety of our people and the protection of property will always remain our topmost priority,” he assured.

The Mayor further revealed that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, in collaboration with NADMO and the Ghana Fire Service, has already initiated damage assessment procedures to quantify the extent of losses and provide the necessary assistance to those affected. He emphasized that the Assembly will also review existing building and fire safety regulations to identify lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.

NADMO officials who visited the scene confirmed that a comprehensive report would be prepared and submitted to the city authorities for follow-up actions. Meanwhile, the police have cordoned off parts of the burnt structure as forensic experts begin collecting evidence to aid in the ongoing investigations.

The China City Mall, situated near the Santase Star Junction, is one of Kumasi’s busiest trading hubs, hosting dozens of retail and wholesale shops that deal in household goods, electronics, clothing, and accessories. The fire outbreak has therefore sparked widespread concern among residents and business owners over the safety standards of similar facilities across the metropolis.

Hon. Ofori-Agyeman called on all property owners, traders, and market leaders to take fire safety more seriously by installing modern firefighting equipment, ensuring regular maintenance checks, and adhering strictly to safety guidelines issued by the Ghana Fire Service.

He concluded by urging calm among the affected persons, assuring them that the Assembly stands ready to support them through the recovery process. “This is a painful moment for the entire city, but together we will rebuild and restore confidence in the safety of our business environment,” the Mayor stated with resolve.

As investigations continue, the charred remains of the once-bustling China City Mall stand as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and safety compliance in the face of growing urban commercial activity in Kumasi.