A devastating fire has razed the Sunyani Circuit Court and District Court “B” complex in the Bono Region, destroying vital legal documents, equipment, and infrastructure.
The blaze broke out around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, leaving extensive structural damage, including a partially collapsed roof and smoke-blackened walls. According to Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I Cecil Addo, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but the destruction is total.
Inside the court complex, essential materials such as case files, record books, computers, and office equipment were completely destroyed. Furniture, including wooden benches, was also burned beyond recognition, with debris scattered across the premises.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service battled the inferno for nearly eight hours before bringing it under control. Firefighters, police officers, and court staff were later seen attempting to salvage any remaining items.
The incident has sparked concern among litigants, especially those with cases close to judgment, many of whom rushed to the scene seeking information.
A security officer on duty, Salam Baba Mamudu, recounted that he heard unusual noises from the ceiling shortly before it began to collapse. Thick smoke quickly filled the building, leaving him disoriented until nearby residents helped him escape.
Firefighting efforts were significantly hindered by water shortages. ACFOI Addo noted that fire tenders ran out of water, and attempts to use local hydrants failed due to malfunctioning systems. Efforts to obtain water from Ghana Water Limited were also unsuccessful, forcing responders to source water from a private supplier in Bakoniaba. The delay allowed the fire to reignite at one point before it was finally contained.