On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Ghanaians woke up to the tragic news of a devastating fire explosion in Konongo Odumase, located in the Ashanti Region.
The fire engulfed a shop dealing in mining explosives, leading to severe casualties and property damage.
Reports from the Ghana National Fire Service in the region indicated that the fire initially started as a commercial blaze opposite a herbal shop called Barika Herbal before spreading to nearby houses.
They further explained that the shop storing mining explosives, located near the fire’s origin, also caught fire, triggering a massive explosion.
What really happened?
According to Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, the explosion occurred on the eve of Independence Day, between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, following a thunderstorm.
He explained that lightning struck one of the shops in Odumase, igniting a fire that escalated due to the presence of highly combustible materials.
Narrating the incident to GhanaWeb TV’s George Ayisi on March 14, 2025, he said, “On the eve of Independence Day, that’s the 5th of March, around 6:30 and 7:00 PM, this incident occurred. There was thunder, storms, and lightning, and then lightning struck one of the shops at Odumase, causing a fire.
“Unfortunately, there were combustible materials in the shop, essentially explosives. Konongo and Odumase are known for mining, and, unknown to some leaders, these materials were being stored in the shops. As soon as the fire started, the combustibles unfortunately intensified it. Several explosions followed, extending the fire to nearby houses and properties,” he disclosed.
He continued, “The moment the fire reached houses containing gas cylinders and other flammable items, they also exploded, creating even more chaos.”
The Good Samaritan’s tragic end
In a heartbreaking twist, the MP revealed that a resident, whom he described as a Good Samaritan, lost his life while trying to assist others, including personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service.
The man had contacted the fire service, located just 300 meters away, urging them to rush to the scene.
Upon their arrival, the fire raged uncontrollably. Sensing the danger, the Good Samaritan advised the firefighters to reverse their vehicle to safety.
However, while guiding them, another explosion occurred, tragically engulfing him in flames. The blast also severely injured several firefighters.
“Fortunately, someone had called the Ghana National Fire Service, which was nearby about 300 meters away. They rushed to the scene and, according to their report, arrived around 7:08 PM. When they got there, a Good Samaritan warned them, ‘You better move to safety; reverse your vehicle because there are explosives in the shop.’
“The crew started reversing, but as the Samaritan guided them, another blast occurred, and he was caught in it. That innocent man and his sons were dismembered. The fire service vehicle was also hit and severely damaged. I believe its registration number was WRT 318-something. The crew was overpowered by the situation as they were helpless,” Anyimadu-Antwi recounted.
He added, “They had to call reinforcements from Ajisu. When the backup arrived, the explosions had subsided, allowing them to finally extinguish the fire.”
Casualties and calls for support
The MP confirmed that five lives have been lost so far, with many others injured, including five firefighters. Several shops, buildings, and properties were also destroyed.
He called on the government and philanthropists to support the affected residents of Konongo Odumase.
Referring to the 2022 Apiatse explosion, he urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“So far, we’ve lost five lives, and many others are injured, including five Ghana National Fire Service personnel. Shops, properties and both commercial and residential buildings have been destroyed. It’s a very sad incident.
“Today, in Parliament, when I addressed the matter, the First Deputy Speaker referred it to the Ministry of Interior. Fortunately, the police at Asante Akim Central have made some arrests, and investigations are ongoing. But more importantly, my people need relief. We are calling on philanthropists, companies, and the government to support the victims.”
“If anyone has anything to offer, we urge them to extend their help. Finally, we ask law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this incident to ensure it never happens again. A similar explosion occurred in Apiate on January 20, 2022, and now another in Asante Akim Central on March 5, 2025. We cannot allow this to happen to anyone else,” he cautioned.
Watch the full interview on GhanaWeb TV below:
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
