Traders at Bibiani Newtown in the Western North Region are counting their losses after a devastating fire outbreak ravaged more than six shops on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident, which occurred around 4:05 p.m. near the Bibiani Circuit Court, destroyed properties and goods worth thousands of Ghana cedis. Among the affected shops was that of Madam Janet Danso, popularly known as Mama Jane, the former Western North Regional Deputy Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started suddenly and spread rapidly, giving traders little time to salvage their belongings. Some residents and bystanders rushed to the scene to assist, managing to force open a few shops in a desperate attempt to save goods before the blaze intensified.
Others noted that although officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived at the scene promptly, much of the destruction had already occurred before the fire could be brought under control.
“No one knows how it started. We just saw smoke rising and heard people screaming for help. Before we knew it, several shops were gone,” an eyewitness told the media.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were recorded. The GNFS has begun investigations to determine the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, victims have appealed to the public, government, and corporate bodies for support to rebuild their businesses and recover from the devastating loss.
