The Ashanti Regional Police Command has launched a manhunt for the owner of a dynamite shop who fled after a powerful explosion rocked Odumasi near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.
The blast, which occurred on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, claimed three lives, left several others injured, and caused extensive damage to properties. Among the injured, two victims have been transferred from the Konongo Government Hospital to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for advanced medical care, while two others remain hospitalized. Two additional patients have since been discharged.
Beyond the human casualties, the explosion devastated 30 households, leaving many residents displaced and in urgent need of assistance.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene visited the site of the explosion and met with the injured victims at the hospital. Confirming that the suspect remains at large, he assured the public that the police are actively tracking him down.
As Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Dr. Amoakohene condemned the illegal sale of explosives in residential areas and directed security agencies—including the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), the Ghana Police Service, and National Security—to conduct thorough investigations in mining communities to eliminate similar unlawful activities.
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has also been tasked with assessing the extent of the destruction and providing relief to affected families. In response to the crisis, the Minister has allocated GHS 5,000 to each of the 30 affected households, totaling GHS 150,000 in support.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to provide any information that could assist in the suspect’s arrest as efforts intensify to bring him to justice.
