A massive fire has engulfed the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, destroying large portions of the building and goods worth millions of cedis.

The blaze, which began on Thursday, October 30, reportedly started at the rear of the mall before spreading rapidly through the entire structure.

As of this evening, firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) are still battling to bring the fire under full control.

The intensity of the flames has forced authorities to call in additional fire tenders and hydrants from other parts of Kumasi to help douse the inferno completely.

Thick black smoke continues to rise from the scene, visible from several kilometres away, as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Witnesses say the fire spread so swiftly that most traders could not salvage their goods. “It started small, but in minutes, the whole place was burning. People were running everywhere,” one eyewitness recounted.

The China City Mall, which opened earlier this year, had quickly become one of Kumasi’s most popular shopping destinations, housing shops that sold groceries, electronics, and home essentials.

Officials from the GNFS have confirmed that an investigation will be launched once the fire is completely extinguished to determine the cause and assess the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency teams to continue their operation safely.

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