A massive fire has engulfed a warehouse in Akyem Oda, Birim Central Municipality, Eastern Region, destroying goods valued at millions of cedis and affecting several neighboring businesses.

The blaze, which broke out behind the Akyem Oda supermarket, completely gutted the warehouse and caused damage to shops owned by petty traders selling men’s and women’s sandals, clothing, picture frames, and other items.

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly to emergency calls and managed to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings.

Madam Joyce Dompreh, whose shop was located near the warehouse, told reporters that she was at church when she learned about the fire.

“By the time I arrived, everything had been destroyed. We have lost goods worth thousands of cedis,” she lamented.

She praised the GNFS for their swift action, which prevented the situation from worsening, but expressed concern over the economic impact on affected traders.

Assistant Divisional Officer Grade One (ADO1) Patrick Ampadu, Birim Central Municipal Fire Officer, who led the firefighting operation, raised concerns about the large crowd at the scene, saying it hindered his team’s work.

“We appeal to the public to give firefighters enough space to operate during emergencies,” he urged.

He also advised business owners and residents to take preventive steps against electrical fires, including regular checks of wiring systems, avoiding overloaded sockets, and ensuring faulty equipment is repaired promptly.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire.