The Ashanti Region has recorded 108 fire outbreaks in January 2026 alone, even though the month is yet to end, causing widespread destruction and displacing many residents.

Notable incidents have occurred at Dogombaline, the Sofoline mechanic enclave, Anwona Market, and Atonsu Bokro, where hundreds of makeshift structures, shops, houses, vehicles, and other property valued in millions of Ghana Cedis were destroyed.

DOII Peter Addai, Regional Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Fire Service, disclosed the figures during an interview with Kumasi FM’s Elisha.

Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the fires were caused by refuse burning, cooking accidents, and other preventable causes.

The region faces several operational challenges, including insufficient fire tenders, the lack of fire hydrants, prank calls, and traffic issues, which hamper firefighting efforts.

Mr. Addai explained that the Ashanti Region operates with only 18 fire tenders to cover 43 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs).

At times, a single fire tender must serve four districts, significantly delaying responses, especially during multiple incidents.

He also called on authorities to install more fire hydrants to improve emergency response capacity and urged the public to stop prank calls, noting that fire personnel receive up to 80 false calls every hour.

Mr. Addai further expressed concern about attacks on firefighters during emergency operations.

Regarding the recent Atonsu Bokro fire, investigations are ongoing.

The blaze destroyed approximately 80 shops and 12 bedrooms, resulting in losses worth hundreds of thousands of Ghana Cedis and displacing residents.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Authorities have appealed to the public to observe safety precautions and report fires promptly to reduce risks and damage in the region.