Devastating Fire Displaces Over 400 Residents in Kumasi Slum
A massive fire swept through Baba Ayoyo slum in Kumasi on Wednesday night, leaving more than 400 residents homeless and destroying over 100 makeshift structures. The blaze erupted around 8:30 p.m. in the densely populated settlement located in Ahodwo under the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
Women and children comprised the majority of displaced residents, who were reportedly caught unprepared as flames rapidly consumed their homes. The fire’s intensity and speed left families with little time to salvage belongings before fleeing to safety.
Emergency responders battled the inferno in the cramped conditions typical of informal settlements, where narrow pathways and closely packed structures create challenging firefighting conditions. The wooden and metal sheet constructions that characterize such communities proved highly vulnerable to the spreading flames.
Baba Ayoyo represents one of several informal settlements in Ghana’s second-largest city, where rapid urbanization has created densely populated areas with limited infrastructure. These communities often lack adequate fire safety measures and emergency access routes.
Local authorities have begun assessing the full extent of damage while displaced families seek temporary shelter. The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing urban slum communities across Ghana, where fire hazards remain a persistent threat due to overcrowding, makeshift electrical connections, and limited emergency services access.
Relief efforts are expected to focus on providing immediate shelter, food, and basic necessities for affected families.
