Firefighters at the scene
A devastating fire ripped through Nyinahin Zongo in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region during the early hours of Thursday, August 7, 2025, leaving several families homeless and exposing deep gaps in the area’s emergency response system.
The blaze reportedly started around 3:27 a.m. at a residence with the digital address AI-0025-2688. According to the landlord, Mr. Elvis Amono, the fire began shortly after a tenant alerted him to the smell of burning electrical cables.
“We checked everywhere — ceilings, rooms, wiring — and didn’t see anything unusual. Then suddenly, flames burst out. We had to run for our lives,” he told reporters.
Residents were left to battle the raging fire with buckets of water and sand. The lack of a local fire tender meant firefighters could not respond in time to contain the damage.
Mr. Simon Bonzeadu, 2nd-in-Command at the Nyinahin Fire Station, expressed regret over the situation, but praised the community’s bravery.
“They did everything right in a difficult moment. But this highlights the urgent need for resources. We urge all households to be vigilant with electrical safety,” he said.
District Chief Executive, Issahak Ibrahim, visited the affected families, including Madam Rita Anyanor, a nursing mother who lost all her belongings in the fire.
“The devastation is heartbreaking,” the DCE said, and added, “We’re working with National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to assist the victims, but more importantly, we are calling on the central government to fast-track the delivery of fire tenders. Atwima Mponua must be adequately equipped to handle emergencies like this.”
NADMO and the District Assembly have begun mobilising relief items and temporary shelter for displaced residents. So far, no casualties have been reported, but the losses are extensive, including household items, documents, and personal property.
Despite the tragedy, the community spirit in Nyinahin Zongo remains strong.
“This fire has shown how united and resilient we are,” one resident said, and added, “Now we hope the authorities match that energy with real support.”
FROM David Afum, Nyinahin