A devastating fire has swept through the Dagomba Line settlement at Afful-Nkwanta, leaving more than 250 wooden structures destroyed and hundreds of residents homeless.
The blaze, which broke out around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, engulfed the densely populated slum community, displacing men, women, and children. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded, although some residents suspect the fire may have been deliberately set.
According to community leader Jibrin Nasiru, the incident unfolded rapidly in the early hours of the morning.
“People were shouting that there was a fire, and we woke up to find our homes engulfed in flames. We tried our best to control it, and within minutes, the fire service arrived and helped bring the situation under control,” he said.
Properties worth thousands of cedis, including personal belongings, were lost in the inferno.
The Dagomba Line enclave is largely inhabited by youth who migrated from northern Ghana in search of economic opportunities. Residents say the unplanned and congested nature of the settlement continues to increase the risk of such disasters.
Another victim, Mahammud Bawah Zakaria, highlighted the challenges:
“Everyone puts up structures anywhere, so the place is congested. We need proper management and guidelines to avoid these incidents.”
This latest incident marks the third fire outbreak in the area this year, following two similar blazes recorded within a two-week period in January.
Earlier, the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman-Boadi, had assured residents of a comprehensive investigation and measures to prevent recurring fires. However, checks indicate that no official report or reconstruction roadmap has yet been presented.
When reporters visited the scene, affected residents had already begun clearing debris and attempting to rebuild their homes amid uncertainty and frustration.
