Two-story buildings housing several shops have been torched in a fire outbreak in the central business district of Adum in Kumasi.

The fire at the popular Blue Light arena, close to Hello FM, started around 6am and spread rapidly as fire officers made attempts to contain the blaze.

Panicking traders had to break into their shops to throw out their wares as the fire ravaged.

Most of the shops deal in mobile phones and accessories, jewellery, and clothing.

According to an eyewitness account, the fire sparked from a flicking electricity pole in the area, leading to a spark on the top floor of one of the buildings.

Programmes Director at Hello FM, Nana Ama Ataffuah Quainoo, confirmed the evacuation of staff as the fire spread rapidly. 

She, however, says the Fire Service personnel kept long in coming.

Several fire tenders later arrived at the scene but faced difficulties fighting the fire.