At least 2,900 people were affected by the fire that ravaged buildings, containers and makeshift structures in the Adum Central Business District on Friday, March 21, 2025, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has revealed.
The fire caused extensive damage to several shops, prompting an immediate response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), who worked diligently to contain and extinguish the flames.
He noted that while at least 1,300 individuals can sustain themselves, the rest lack the means to do so.
“So far, 2,900 people have been affected, per the NADMO report, 1,300 plus of them have the capacity to feed themselves. At least those basic needs they can provide for themselves. Around 1,500 of them do not have the capacity to provide those basic needs. For which reason, the support that is coming in, we’re making sure we have them in mind to give them that basic needs,” he assured.
Speaking to the media on Monday, March 31, 2025, he assured full support for the individuals affected.
He said his office has collaborated with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to provide psychological assistance to victims.
“We have liaised with the team from KATH, where we refer them to when the issues come up. There are others, too, who come here [his office], and if you look at their conditions, you realise that they need support. The government is willing to support them, and other individuals who have volunteered also come around to donate, so they should keep faith.”
The Minister further expressed concern over the emergence of a new lorry station under the footbridge near the site of the Adum fire incident.
He has ordered an immediate halt to the activity and plans to engage those involved in further action.
“An unfortunate revelation to me when we visited this morning [Saturday, March 31], we realised that there’s a new station coming up, just right under the footbridge. Is a not, not. And I engaged the person who has taken over that space, and I have told him to halt whatever he wants to do there.
He added, “I have told the police commander and NADMO to make sure that they clear the space of 207 vans that he has brought in there. That place is not a station, and I wonder who gave that permit. I will engage them so that they know that we’re not giving room for another encroachment that will lead to a disaster in the near future. We’ll relocate them if need be.”
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