Police in the Ashanti Region have apprehended five individuals in connection with an alleged assault on fire officers responding to a fire outbreak at the Racecourse Market on Monday, March 11, 2024.
The altercation ensued as fire officers arrived to tackle the blaze, resulting in one of the fire officers sustaining injuries. The suspects reportedly accused the fire service personnel of delayed response, prompting them to retaliate by pelting stones.
The fire, which ignited around 1 am on Monday, ravaged a section of the Racecourse Market predominantly occupied by millers and traders of foodstuffs and ingredients. Approximately 180 container shops were affected, leading to significant damage and loss.
According to Fire Commander D.O 3 Simon Ben Boadu of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Fire Station, the fire's rapid spread was exacerbated by the attack on the fire crew. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from one of the corn mills and quickly spread due to the close proximity of the shops.
Boadu emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and the perpetrators will face consequences for their actions. He stressed the need for such actions to serve as a deterrent to others and underscored that attacks on fire personnel must cease.
The affected individuals are currently assessing their losses, with many unable to salvage their belongings. Over twenty milling machines were destroyed in the blaze, exacerbating the economic impact of the incident on the traders and businesses in the area.