Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service have successfully averted a massive economic disaster after a fire outbreak gutted a phone shop at Adum in Kumasi on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO1 Peter Tetteh, disclosed that the Service received a distress call at approximately 6:56 a.m. reporting a fire at a two-storey commercial building housing several phone shops and related businesses.
Eyewitnesses suspect the blaze may have been triggered by ongoing power outages in the area, possibly leading to an electrical fault.
The incident sparked panic among traders and shop owners as thick smoke engulfed the building, raising fears of extensive losses. However, the rapid intervention by fire officers brought the situation under control before it could spread to nearby structures.
Thanks to their timely efforts, billions of cedis worth of goods and property were salvaged, significantly reducing the potential financial impact on affected businesses.
No casualties have been recorded, although some shop owners reportedly suffered minor shock.
Speaking after the incident, ACFO1 Peter Tetteh revealed that the affected facility was the Pat Thomas Phone shop, which included a mini warehouse on the first floor. He explained that the presence of numerous electronic appliances made firefighting operations particularly difficult.
“The fire was complex due to the volume of items stored in the warehouse,” he noted, adding that the flames mainly destroyed the first-floor section of the shop.
Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the exact cause of the fire, while urging the public to observe safety precautions, especially during periods of unstable electricity supply.
