Late-Night Fire Renders Families Homeless, Destroys Property At Assin Asempanaye

A devastating fire has razed homes and shops at Assin Asempanaye in the Assin North District of the Central Region, leaving over 20 residents homeless and traders counting massive losses.

The inferno, which began around 10:30 pm on Thursday, engulfed five metal container shops and a five-bedroom house accommodating about 20 people.

Victims estimate losses of nearly GH¢50,000 in cash, in addition to merchandise worth thousands of cedis.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire reportedly started in one of the shops and quickly spread to nearby structures.

Most occupants were asleep at the time and only managed to escape after passersby raised the alarm.

Despite frantic efforts by residents to salvage belongings, the fire consumed nearly everything before emergency services could intervene.

Frustrated victims blamed the scale of the destruction on delayed response by fire personnel, alleging that repeated calls to the Assin Fosu and New Edubiase Fire Stations went unanswered.

While the cause is yet to be officially confirmed, Assin Fosu Municipal Fire Officer, DOII Paul Tawiah, stated that initial investigations point to power fluctuations as a possible cause.

His team has since visited the scene to assess the extent of the damage.

Responding to public criticism, DOII Tawiah disclosed that the municipality’s only fire tender has been broken down for months due to engine failure.

He appealed for urgent support from government and stakeholders to restore the vehicle and strengthen emergency response efforts.

Meanwhile, the Assin North District Chief Executive, Hon. Sylvester Amakye Nyarkoh, together with the District NADMO officials, visited the affected families to offer sympathies and pledged to support them with emergency relief.

End.