Fire destroys shops and homes in Koforidua's Srodae

A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Srodae in Koforidua’s Central Business District near the Old Traffic Light. The blaze started in a row of old buildings that combined shops and living spaces. Flames quickly spread to a one-storey structure that housed both commercial outlets and residential units. Firefighters from the New Juaben North Municipal Fire Station received a call at 11:02 p.m. and reached the scene by 11:15 p.m. The crew, led by SO II Nartey, consisted of ten personnel. When they arrived, the entire building was already engulfed. The team worked through the night, bringing the fire under control by 1:23 a.m. and fully extinguishing it by 3:04 a.m. Their timely response stopped the flames from spreading to nearby businesses and homes. The affected building suffered severe damage, with the first floor and parts of the ground floor collapsing under the heat. The structure was weakened to the point that authorities deemed it unsafe and restricted public access. Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey visited the site and confirmed that the building, made of mud and long neglected, required demolition to prevent a dangerous collapse. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. A 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trying to remove items from a damaged shop after the incident. The event has sparked concern over the safety of aging commercial structures in Koforidua’s dense urban areas. Authorities say they will assess the damage and decide on next steps for rebuilding or relocation. No injuries were reported, but several traders lost inventory including phones, clothes, shoes, drinks, paints, cables, cosmetics, jewelry, air conditioners, lighting gear, roofing sheets and other belongings. The area remains cordoned off as officials plan the way forward.