Mob Attacks Firefighters During Kasoa Old Market Inferno; MCE Calls for Arrests After Equipment Damage

On February 27, 2023, a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Old Market escalated into a scene of violence when a disgruntled mob attacked emergency responders. While the blaze eventually destroyed two container shops, the intervention by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was met with hostility rather than cooperation. The incident has sparked significant concern regarding the safety of first responders and the deteriorating state of emergency infrastructure in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The violence erupted as community members expressed frustration over what they perceived as a delayed response to the growing fire. Because local fire stations in Kasoa were reportedly hampered by broken or non-operational equipment, the emergency call was rerouted to the Weija Fire Station. This logistical shift meant that backup units had to travel a greater distance to reach the scene. Upon their arrival, the firefighters from Weija were pelted with stones and other projectiles by an angry crowd, resulting in visible damage to the fire engine and other critical firefighting gear. Despite the physical danger and the chaos, the crew persevered and successfully brought the inferno under control, preventing it from consuming the entire market. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Awutu Senya East, Seth Serwono Banini, has strongly condemned the mob's actions, describing the attack on public servants as unacceptable. He emphasized that the delays were a result of systemic equipment challenges rather than negligence by the individual firefighters. Banini has formally requested the Ghana Police Service to launch an immediate investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the assault. Meanwhile, the GNFS has indicated its intent to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrators to seek compensation for the damaged property and to deter future attacks on emergency personnel. While no casualties were reported from either the fire or the ensuing riot, the economic impact on the affected traders is substantial, as their livelihoods were reduced to ashes. This incident highlights a recurring and dangerous trend in Ghana where delayed emergency responses lead to community-led violence against first responders. Moving forward, local authorities face the dual challenge of upgrading essential firefighting infrastructure while rebuilding trust and safety protocols within the Kasoa community to ensure such a breakdown of order does not recur during future emergencies.