A picture of the two arrested so far
The police in the Ashanti Region have arrested several individuals who attempted to loot shops during the Adum fire outbreak.
On Friday, March 21, 2025, a fire broke out at the Kumasi Central Business Market, causing extensive damage to numerous shops.
The source of the fire, which razed several shops, remains unknown.
While firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, some individuals were caught trying to steal from the destroyed goods.
A video shared by Accra-based JoyNews on the X app showed two men in handcuffs being held by police officers.
Meanwhile, affected traders are evacuating their shops and removing their goods as the fire spreads.
So far, three buildings have been affected by the flames.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, accompanied by security personnel and members from the Regional Coordinating Council, visited the scene of the fire to inspect and assess the extent of the damage.
He was also briefed by operatives from the National Security on the situation.
Addressing the media, an operative from the National Security clarified that contrary to earlier reports, the fire started around 5 a.m. on Friday.
He further explained that the primary challenge faced by the fire service personnel was their inability to access the area where the fire was burning due to the wooden structures surrounding the building and the looting of items by some individuals.
He stated that the fire would have likely been extinguished by then if there had been a clear pathway for the fire service to access the source of the blaze.
“It started around 5 a.m. thereabout. We arrived there around 5:15. The main problem is how to get access to where the fire started. You see, had there been a way through, they would have finished their work within 30 minutes. But the people were even disrupting them as some were looting.
“We had to go and then arrest some of them. And the military came in, and then they even helped us. The fire is towards the Roman Hill area, towards phase two of the building, so they are still working on it seriously. The fire is still raging, and there is water in the tenders. But still, how to get to the fire is our problem right now,” he said.
Watch the video of the arrested men below:
Several looters attempting to steal from shops during the Adum fire outbreak have been arrested. Security forces on the scene are working hard to maintain order as the situation unfolds. #JoyNews #AdumFire #Kumasi #StaySafe #NhyiraNews pic.twitter.com/4m4sG7yrlH
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 21, 2025
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