The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) faced significant challenges in responding swiftly to the devastating fire in the central business district of Adum, Kumasi, due to inadequate cable ladders.

In firefighting, cable ladders, which are fire-resistant cable paths, are used to protect and maintain the functionality of electrical and other critical systems during a fire, aiding in rescue, evacuation, and minimizing long-term damage.

Meanwhile, the fire also proved difficult due to the proximity of the affected buildings.

Read also: Fire consumes 2-storey shops at Adum in Kumasi

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, DCO 1 Alex King Nartey, who is overseeing operations at the scene, the close spacing between the buildings has made it harder to prevent the fire from spreading further.

"All of us currently at the scene are working so hard to make sure the fire is contained," Nartey said.

He added, "The unfortunate thing is that looking at how close the buildings are situated, it is making the fight more difficult, but we are trying our best to tackle it and prevent it from further spreading."

In addition to the challenging layout of the area, Mr Nartey revealed a significant equipment limitation facing the fire service.

He stated that within the entire Ashanti Region, there is only one ten-meter cable ladder available to reach high-rise areas during such emergencies.

"Within the whole of Ashanti Region, we have just one ten-meter cable ladder. And that is the ladder we use to be able to get to height," Mr Nartey explained.

As of now, the cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities are promising further updates as they work to manage the crisis.