No Casualties in Kumasi China City Mall Fire — Mayor Commends Swift Rescue Efforts
A major fire outbreak on *Thursday, October 30, destroyed large sections of the *China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, but authorities have confirmed that all staff members were safely evacuated with no casualties reported.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, said the quick response of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the assistance of bystanders prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
“Thankfully, everyone was evacuated in time. The firefighters, together with the public, ensured no lives were lost. What remains are the material losses,” Mr. Agyemang told journalists at the scene.
All Staff Safe After Fire Razes China City Mall in Kumasi
Preliminary assessments suggest that the blaze, which reportedly started at the rear of the shopping complex, caused millions of dollars in property losses. The fire consumed several retail outlets selling electronics, groceries, and household goods before it was brought under control.
Officials from the Ghana National Fire Service have begun investigations to determine the exact cause of the inferno. Early witness accounts indicate that the flames spread rapidly, giving traders little time to salvage their merchandise.
Mr. Agyemang expressed sympathy for the affected investors and traders, noting that the mall — largely owned by Chinese business operators — employs hundreds of young people in the Ashanti regional capital.
“We will engage the investors promptly and assure them of government’s support. Their presence in Kumasi contributes significantly to local employment and commerce,” the MCE stated.
He added that the Metropolitan Assembly will coordinate with relevant agencies to help restore normalcy and ensure safety measures are reinforced at major business centers across the city.
The fire highlights growing safety concerns surrounding commercial infrastructure and fire preparedness in Ghana’s urban centers. In Kumasi alone, GNFS records show that over 280 fire incidents were reported between January and September 2025 — many linked to faulty wiring, poor safety practices, or lack of fire extinguishing systems.
With shopping centers like China City Mall becoming key economic hubs for urban trade, Thursday’s incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and routine fire audits.
The China City Mall, opened earlier this year, had quickly become one of Kumasi’s busiest retail destinations, attracting hundreds of shoppers daily. It was part of a wave of Chinese-owned retail outlets expanding across major Ghanaian cities, contributing to increased competition and lower consumer prices.
However, the rapid rise in such commercial complexes has also raised questions about safety compliance, insurance coverage, and emergency response capacity within the retail sector.
While the full financial toll of the incident is yet to be determined, city officials say the priority now is to rebuild confidence among investors and ensure stricter fire safety oversight. The outcome of the GNFS investigation is expected to inform new safety protocols for commercial buildings in Kumasi and beyond.
The absence of casualties offers relief after a devastating loss, but the China City Mall fire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved urban safety standards as Ghana’s cities modernize and attract greater commercial investment.
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