The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has granted approval for the management of the China City Mall at Santasi to reconstruct the facility after it was completely destroyed by fire late October this year.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the KMA, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, disclosed that the permit for reconstruction has been approved but with strict safety and structural conditions to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
The blaze, which occurred on Thursday, October 30, reduced the newly opened mall to ashes, destroying goods and property worth thousands of cedis. Thick plumes of smoke from the inferno could be seen from several metres away, drawing several emergency responders and onlookers to the scene.
Speaking in an interview on AbusuaNkommo on Abusua 96.5 FM, Mr. Ofori-Agyeman Boadi explained that the Assembly would exercise stricter oversight during the reconstruction process.
“They sought a permit to rebuild, and I’ve approved it,” he stated.
“However, this time, the construction will be under the direct supervision of the Metro Engineer,” he told host Kojo Marfo.
He revealed that construction work was temporarily halted last week after engineers detected serious flaws in the integrity of the mall’s concrete flooring.
“We stopped them because the cement floor was compromised. We’ve directed that the damaged portions be removed entirely before new work begins. They wanted to start putting up pillars, but we made it clear that we won’t allow any substandard work this time,” the MCE added.
Mr. Boadi further stressed that the reconstructed facility would not be opened to the public until a habitation permit is duly issued.
He emphasized that safety features such as fire sprinklers and emergency access systems would be mandatory before approval for occupancy is granted.
“We thank God the fire didn’t start at the mall’s entrance where many people could have been trapped,” he said. “This time, all safety measures will be enforced to ensure the protection of users.”
Photos of burnt China City Mall
In November 3, city authorities demolished the entire structure of the China City Mall at Santasi, which was razed by fire on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
According to authorities, the structure has been pulled down as it poses a threat to passersby and people within the community.
Speaking to the media, Kumasi Metro Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Organisation, Godwin Dela Lahor, indicated that city authorities will ensure the right procedures are followed before the facility is reconstructed.
“What we have to do now we need to make sure they first clear the land. We take a critical look at the land, look at the surroundings, and see whether it is a place that you can actually put any structure or any type of structure,” he said.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
