Fire Destroys 9 Stores in Dodi-Papase Blaze

Nine stores have been gutted by fire at Dodi-Papase in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, leaving traders devastated and counting significant losses.

The fire, which began around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, rapidly spread through the block of shops, destroying a wide range of goods including clothing, food items, cosmetics, and cooking utensils. The total value of the lost goods is estimated to be in the thousands of Ghana cedis.

According to Mr Raphael Yeboah Mensah, the Assembly Member for the Dodi-Papase South Electoral Area, residents quickly attempted to contact the Kadjebi District office of the Ghana National Fire Service. However, they were dismayed to learn that no fire tender was available.

“This situation is deeply worrying,” Mr. Mensah stated. He has called on the Kadjebi District Assembly to make the provision of functional fire-fighting equipment a top priority to protect both lives and property. He also appealed for immediate assistance for the affected traders, many of whom rely on their businesses for their livelihood.

Mr Eli Atsu, a barber whose shop was among those destroyed, expressed his despair. “I have lost all my tools and equipment. It is impossible for me to work now. I have nothing left,” he said, appealing to individuals, organizations, and the district assembly for help to restart his business.

Madam Gbenu Happy, another trader impacted by the fire, echoed Mr. Atsu’s distress and urged benevolent individuals and organizations to support the victims in rebuilding their businesses.

This incident marks the second fire outbreak in the Kadjebi District this month, following a previous blaze at the KASEC Akuafo Boys dormitory on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

The lack of a functioning fire tender in the Kadjebi District, reportedly absent for the past two years, has raised serious concerns among residents and school authorities. Many believe this deficiency significantly worsened the extent of the damage.

Community members are currently mobilizing support for the victims while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE