The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that the China City Mall in Kumasi, which was engulfed by flames on Thursday, October 30, lacked both a fire hydrant and a mechanised borehole to assist in controlling the fire.
Divisional Officer (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, the Head of Public Relations for the GNFS, stated that the lack of these essential safety features played a significant role in the swift escalation of the fire.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Ackah elaborated that the mall had only been operational for six months and was still in the process of fulfilling certain safety obligations.
“No, they didn’t have a fire hydrant. Once you meet the basic fire safety requirements, you are permitted to start operation. But the requirement is such that it is progressive, so you move from the less costly one to the high costly one,” he revealed.
He further mentioned that while the mall’s management was supposed to install a fire hydrant or an alternative water storage system, this had not yet been accomplished.
“They were going to be asked to get a fire hydrant or an alternative water storage. But that has not been done. Like I said, they opened just six months ago. Some of these things are capital-intensive, and probably that is why they haven’t done that before starting operation,” he explained.
Mr. Ackah pointed out that the fire could have been managed more effectively if the mall had the appropriate water systems available.
He also condemned certain members of the public who hindered fire service personnel during the emergency response.
He stressed that this incident underscores the necessity for more rigorous enforcement of fire safety regulations and increased public education regarding emergency response procedures.
The fire, which devastated the China City Mall located at Santasi in Kumasi, resulted in significant destruction to the structure and its contents.
Dense smoke was visible from several kilometres away as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.
Despite the destruction of the mall, which contained stores offering groceries, electronics, and household goods, officials have confirmed that there were no fatalities.
