Over 400 displaced in devastating fire at Kumasi slum

More than 400 residents, mostly women and children, have been left homeless after a massive fire tore through Baba Ayoyo, a densely populated slum in Ahodwo under the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The fire, which started around 8:30 p.m., on the night of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, razed over 100 makeshift structures.

Many residents, caught unprepared, fled with nothing and are now taking temporary refuge in nearby churches, homes, and on verandas.

Children whose books and uniforms were destroyed have been left unable to attend school.

Mothers, particularly those caring for multiple children, are overwhelmed and uncertain where their next meal or shelter will come from.

“I stay here with my grandmother, and she’s very old. We slept on someone’s veranda last night. Everything we owned is gone,” a distraught woman told reporters.

Victims are calling on government agencies, NGOs, and kind-hearted individuals to provide urgent assistance in the form of food, clothing, and temporary shelter.

While some remain hopeful about rebuilding, many admit they cannot recover on their own.

Assembly Member for Ridge Nhyiaeso, Abraham Boadi, said he is yet to officially brief the Kumasi Mayor but noted that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and national security officials are expected to visit the site on Friday, July 11.

“The number of displaced people is overwhelming. We’ve asked them to reach out to family and friends while we wait on NADMO’s intervention,” Mr Boadi said.