Kumasi: Market fires are clear arson – Mayor

The mayor of Kumasi Osei Assibey Antwi said they are not ruling out any foul play in a series of fire outbreaks recorded over the weekend.

Over 200 shops were burnt and properties running into thousands of Ghana cedis destroyed.

Interacting with the media, the mayor said the security agencies are investigating the various fires.

The Kumasi Mayor said it could be an attempt to sabotage the ruling government.

“Now I think I have to be very blunt. It is not just an accident that we are witnessing. But now looking at the occurrences of it, everything is clear that it is an arson. From here I am going to report to the Ashanti Regional Minister to quickly deploy more men to various market centers”, he said.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has been assessing the situation. The organization says it would officially give details after it concludes its investigations.

Meanwhile, reports making rounds have it that at least 33 suspects have been rounded up in connection with the fire.

The suspects are being screened for their alleged involvement in separate fire incidents at the Central and Asafo markets during the Easter holidays, Starrfm.com.gh understands.