Firefighters responding to a fierce blaze at the Odupongkpehe Zongo section of the Kasoa Old Market in Kasoa were attacked by angry youth, forcing police to intervene before emergency operations could begin.
Personnel from the Weija Fire Station came under stone attack upon arrival, with the windscreen of their fire engine smashed and access routes blocked. The violent resistance delayed efforts to control the raging inferno.
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Speaking to the media, station administrator DO Addo Danso dismissed claims that his team arrived late, explaining that firefighters reached the scene at 20:20 GMT after receiving the distress call at 17:54 GMT.
Due to the escalating tension, police were called in to disperse the crowd and secure the area, allowing firefighters to finally begin battling the flames. By the time access was restored, two container shops had already been reduced to ashes.
A formal complaint has since been lodged at the CBD Police Station, Kasoa, as investigations continue into the violent conduct. Authorities say arrests are likely in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, has warned that anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.
He stressed that attacks on emergency personnel will not be tolerated, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and a threat to public safety.