The Ghana Police Service has apprehended a 32-year-old man, Abubakar Abdul Latif, in connection with the theft of jewelry from a stand near a fire outbreak scene in Koforidua. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Asante Kusi, the suspect took advantage of the confusion surrounding the fire outbreak on October 4, 2026, at about 01:20 hours, to steal the jewelry. The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.
The fire outbreak occurred on October 3, 2026, at about 22:30 hours, in a room of a storey building at Starlet 21 street, in Koforidua. The fire quickly spread to other parts of the premises, prompting a swift response from personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Police. The personnel worked to bring the fire under control, secured the area, and managed the crowd that had gathered at the scene.
ASP Kusi stated that the New Juaben South Municipal Crime Officer, he disclosed that several notable individuals, including Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, and Mr. Ransford Owusu Boakye, the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South, visited the scene at about 23:10 hours on the same day. The team assessed the extent of the damage, commended the GNFS and Police for their swift response, and assured the affected persons of government support.
During the firefighting efforts, a fire officer, identified as STO Atuahene James of Metro-Koforidua, sustained injuries while fighting the fire. He was rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital for treatment. ASP Kusi reported that when the police visited the officer at the hospital on October 4, 2026, at about 14:30 hours, he was stable and responding to treatment.
The police have confirmed that calm has been restored in the area, while investigations continue to establish the cause of the fire outbreak. ASP Kusi assured the public that the police are working diligently to determine the cause of the fire and to bring any perpetrators to justice.
The suspect, Abubakar Abdul Latif, is expected to face charges for his alleged role in the theft of the jewelry. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigations.
The incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security measures during emergency situations. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work to prevent and investigate crimes, and to bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The police arrested Abubakar Abdul Latif for allegedly stealing jewelry from a stand near a fire outbreak scene in Koforidua.
- The fire outbreak occurred on October 3, 2026, at about 22:30 hours, in a room of a storey building at Starlet 21 street, in Koforidua.
- A fire officer, STO Atuahene James, sustained injuries while fighting the fire and was rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital for treatment.
