A late-night fire at Srodae in Koforidua has destroyed several shops and parts of residential properties, leaving a one-storey building severely damaged and sections of the structure collapsed.
The fire broke out near the Old Traffic Light in the Central Business District on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in an area occupied by a row of old buildings serving both commercial and residential purposes.
Firefighters from the New Juaben North Municipal Fire Station were called to the scene at about 11:02 p.m. and arrived 13 minutes later with a 10-member crew led by SO II Nartey.
By the time the team got there, flames had taken over the entire one-storey building. Firefighters immediately began efforts to contain the blaze and succeeded in bringing it under control at 1:23 a.m., before finally extinguishing it at 3:04 a.m.
The operation prevented the fire from reaching neighbouring businesses and properties, although the affected building suffered extensive damage.
Several businesses lost their stock and equipment in the incident, including mobile phones and accessories, clothing, footwear, drinks, paints, electrical cables, personal care products and jewellery. Air conditioners, lighting equipment, fascia boards, roofing sheets and other belongings were also destroyed.
The force of the fire severely weakened the structure, resulting in the collapse of the entire first floor and parts of the ground floor.
The area has consequently been secured and restricted to the public because of concerns over the stability of the remaining structure.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey, who visited the scene, said the condition of the building made demolition necessary to prevent a possible collapse and protect lives.
She said the structure was an old mud building and had been left in a highly compromised condition after the fire.
Authorities are yet to establish what triggered the fire, with preliminary investigations currently underway.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old man was arrested after he was reportedly found attempting to take items from one of the affected shops.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of old commercial structures in densely populated parts of Koforidua, as authorities assess the damage and consider the future of the affected building.
