The Ashanti Region recorded a total of 1,172 fire incidents between January and December 2024. 

The number is an increase over the previous year 2023, where 928 fire cases were reported. Seven people were killed by fire during the year under review. 

Divisional Officer II (DOII) Peter Addai, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), said the increase in numbers was largely due to harsh weather conditions and citizens’ non-adherence to fire safety measures. 

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, he said the value of property destroyed in the process was estimated at GH₵35,419,608.00. 

The cost of items salvaged by the GNFS was GH₵29,970,250.00. 

Domestic fires accounted for the majority of the reported cases, recording a total of 454 in 2024. 

In the previous year, domestic fire incidents were pegged at 393. 

DOII Addai said commercial fires were considered the second highest in the year. 

For bushfires, every year the region records cases in some rural areas predominantly during the dry season and often caused by activities such as hunting, palm wine tapping, charcoal burning and slash-and-burn farming practices. 

The Public Relations Officer said the main causes of fire occurrences included unattended cooking, electrical faults, improper handling of naked fire and flammable substances, and electrical malfunctions. 

The highest cases were recorded in the harmattan season- January to March and around December. 

DOII Addai indicated that in 2025, the GNFS was poised to intensify fire safety education campaigns in public spaces.  It would also ensure regular fire safety inspections and audits.