Two container shops have been destroyed by fire at the Old Market in Kasoa, triggering unrest that saw some youth pelt firefighters with stones as they worked to contain the blaze.
The incident occurred within the Awutu Senya East Municipality, where flames swept through the container structures, reducing goods and other property to ashes. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Tension flared when personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived from Weija to respond.
Some members of the crowd reportedly accused the service of responding late to the emergency.
In the heat of the moment, a section of the youth allegedly hurled stones at the firefighters, shattering the windscreen of their fire tender and briefly disrupting operations.
The Weija Fire Station Administrator, DO Addo Danso, explained to Adom News that fire tenders stationed at both Kasoa and Budumburam were not operational at the time of the outbreak, necessitating the dispatch of a crew from Weija.
He said the team was met with hostility upon arrival, despite moving in to assist.
Despite the confrontation, the firefighters were able to bring the situation under control and prevent the fire from spreading further. No injuries have been recorded.
DO Addo Danso indicated that the service intends to lodge a formal complaint with the police to enable the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Serwono Banini, has condemned the assault on the emergency responders.
He has called on the police to investigate both the cause of the fire and the attack on the officers.
He also appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to refrain from attacking security personnel carrying out their lawful duties, stressing that such actions only worsen already difficult situations.
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