Panic reportedly broke out at Manhyia South in Kumasi after a three-storey building located near the Manhyia Government Hospital was gutted by fire on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m., with thick smoke and flames reportedly spreading through parts of the building and causing concern among residents, traders and passers-by in the area.
The building is situated only a few metres from the Manhyia Palace and close to the Manhyia Government Hospital, making the incident a major concern for people in the surrounding community.
According to reports, the top floor of the building was badly affected, with more than 10 rooms reportedly destroyed by the blaze. The extent of the damage to the lower floors was still being assessed as firefighters worked at the scene.
As the fire spread, occupants and other people connected to the building were reportedly seen making efforts to remove their belongings and wares from the premises.
The emergency response was led by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), whose personnel were deployed to the area to battle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the building and nearby properties.
The presence of the firefighters helped to bring the situation under control while efforts continued to assess the damage caused by the incident.
The cause of the fire had not been conclusively established at the time of reporting. Authorities are expected to conduct further assessments to determine what may have triggered the blaze.
Fire incidents involving multi-storey buildings can pose significant challenges to emergency responders because of the number of rooms and occupants involved, as well as the potential for flames and smoke to spread rapidly.
The location of the affected building also heightened concerns, given its proximity to the Manhyia Government Hospital and other important facilities in the area.
Residents and traders in the surrounding community were reportedly alarmed by the sight of smoke and flames coming from the building.
Although the incident caused significant property damage, available reports did not indicate any fatalities or serious injuries at the time of reporting.
The full extent of the losses is expected to become clearer after firefighters and relevant authorities complete their assessment of the affected structure.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety and preparedness in densely populated communities, particularly in areas where commercial and residential activities take place close to one another.
Property owners and occupants are generally encouraged to take appropriate precautions and ensure that fire safety measures are in place to reduce risks.
For now, attention remains focused on the aftermath of the fire and determining its cause.
The Ghana National Fire Service is expected to provide further information as its assessment continues.
The incident has left residents and occupants counting the cost of the damage while authorities work to establish exactly how the fire started and whether any additional safety concerns need to be addressed.
Source: Thepressradio.com
