The government has provided financial support to the victims of the devastating explosion at Konongo-Odumase, donating ₵5,000 to each of the 30 affected households.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, assured residents of additional aid and directed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to assess the damage and provide essential relief items, including mattresses and roofing materials.
Background
The explosion, which occurred on March 5, 2024, at approximately 7:03 PM, originated from a shop dealing in explosives and materials used in illegal mining. The blast quickly spread, engulfing 30 houses and eight shops, leaving three civilians dead and several others injured.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly, arriving at 7:13 PM to contain the blaze. However, their efforts were severely hampered when an explosion from one of the affected shops injured five firefighters and damaged their fire tender. The pump operator collapsed in the chaos, further hindering firefighting efforts.
In a shocking turn of events, enraged civilians attacked the firefighters with stones, forcing them to withdraw. A backup crew from Ejisu was deployed but was unable to proceed due to the hostility at the scene.
Firefighters Decry Attacks
The attack on emergency responders has sparked widespread condemnation from the GNFS. A spokesperson for the service expressed frustration over the recurring assaults on firefighters, warning that such actions could compromise future emergency response efforts.
“We are cautioning Ghanaians to stop attacking fire officers when they are deployed to scenes to put out fires. It is very unfortunate that these attacks are coming from the Ashanti Region. Opinion leaders should make concerted efforts to encourage their people to stop attacking us. If they do not stop, they will have to find ways to put out fires themselves,” he stated.
The five injured firefighters were treated and discharged from the Asante Akim Central Government Hospital. Meanwhile, an unknown number of civilians remain hospitalized, some with severe injuries, including dismemberment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, with a focus on the presence of explosives in the affected shops. The government has also pledged to continue supporting victims as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
