A devastating fire has razed the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, destroying the entire building and goods worth thousands of cedis.

The blaze, which started on Thursday, October 30, is reported to have begun at the rear of the structure before rapidly spreading throughout the mall. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from several parts of the city as the fire intensified.

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) rushed to the scene and battled the flames for hours, but the inferno completely consumed the mall, which housed several shops selling groceries, electronics, and household items.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread so quickly that most traders were unable to salvage their goods.

The China City Mall, which opened earlier this year, had quickly grown into a popular shopping destination for residents of Kumasi.

The GNFS has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.