China Mall in Santasi Completely Burns Into Ashes

Kumasi, Ashanti Region — October 30, 2025:

A massive blaze has completely destroyed the popular China City Mall located at the Santasi Roundabout in Kumasi, reducing the multi-million-cedi structure to ashes. The fire, which began late Thursday afternoon, sent panic across the area as thick smoke covered parts of the Kumasi skyline.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 4 p.m. from the rear end of the building before spreading rapidly across the shopping center. The mall, known for its diverse range of Chinese and Ghanaian goods, was fully engulfed within minutes. Traders and customers rushed to safety, leaving behind valuable stock and personal belongings.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived promptly but struggled to contain the flames due to the intensity and scale of the inferno. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “terrifying,” noting that despite frantic efforts, most items inside the mall were unsalvageable.

Miraculously, no deaths or injuries were recorded, though property worth several millions of cedis has been lost. Fire officers battled the blaze for hours, finally bringing it under control in the evening. The building’s metal structure later collapsed, confirming total destruction.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with early reports suggesting a possible electrical fault or overheating from an air-conditioning unit. However, officials have yet to release a definitive cause pending a full GNFS report.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive and several officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) visited the site to assess the damage and console affected traders. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter fire-safety measures in Ghana’s commercial facilities, as similar disasters continue to devastate businesses nationwide.

Opened earlier this year, China City Mall had quickly become one of Kumasi’s busiest shopping destinations, employing dozens and attracting thousands of daily shoppers. Its destruction is expected to affect both local businesses and the broader trading economy of the Ashanti Region.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue. Meanwhile, cleanup operations are underway, and NADMO has promised to assist affected workers and traders in the coming days.