Kumasi: China City Mall had no fire hydrant – GNFS PRO

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that the China City Mall in Kumasi, which was destroyed by fire on Thursday, October 30, did not have a fire hydrant or mechanised borehole to help contain the blaze.

Head of Public Relations of the GNFS, Divisional Officer (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, disclosed that the absence of these critical safety facilities contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, October 31, Mr. Ackah explained that the mall had been operating for only six months and was still in the process of meeting some safety requirements.

“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 disclosed.

He added that although the management of the mall was expected to provide a fire hydrant or an alternative water storage system, that had not yet been done.

“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 said.

Mr. Ackah noted that the inferno could have been contained earlier if the mall had the proper water systems in place.

He also criticised sections of the public who obstructed fire personnel during the operation.

He said the incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety standards and greater public awareness of emergency response protocols.

The fire, which gutted the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, caused extensive damage to the building and goods. Thick smoke was seen from several kilometres away as firefighters battled the flames.

Although the mall, which housed shops selling groceries, electronics, and household items, was completely destroyed, authorities confirmed that there were no casualties.