Chinese Traders in Ghana have refuted claims that they are responsible for the recent fire outbreak on Zongo Lane.
In response to comments by Accra Mayor Elizabeth K. T. Sackey, who asserted the Chinese traders were responsible because they are not the legitimate landowners, James Yin, Secretary General of the Chinese Traders in Ghana, rejected these allegations as baseless.
In an interview with Accra-based GHOne TV, Yin asserted “we did not cause the fire at Zongo Lane. The fire actually started at an electrical warehouse near our shop. We were contacted by the owner of the affected shop to assist when the fire broke out, and we responded promptly. There are witnesses who can confirm this. We did not cause the fire,” Yin stated.
“We are the rightful owners of the land at Zongo Lane and have the documents to prove it. The Mayor’s claims are incorrect. I am prepared to provide the original documents as evidence, and anyone is welcome to challenge this in court,” Yin added.
Fire erupted at Zongo Lane near Rawlings Park in Makola, Accra, causing damage to several shops, leaving traders devastated on Sunday, September 1.
According to the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex Nartey, the fire began as a small blaze but quickly intensified due to the inaccessibility of the area and the presence of highly flammable materials stored in many shops.
“The fire that started little has quickly spread as a result of inaccessibility and highly flammable materials found in the affected shops,” Nartey explained.
Firefighters arrived on the scene promptly and undertook a rigorous effort to control the flames.
Despite their intense work, the fire caused considerable destruction before it was brought under control.
Hours later, the eastern part of the affected structure at the Accra Zongo Lane fire collapsed, causing a protracted fire.
Efforts are under by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) officers to douse the flame.
According to the GNFS, no firefighter or civilian casualties have been recorded.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service.
Authorities are currently working to determine how the blaze started and to assess the full impact on the affected businesses.
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