A massive fire has reportedly gutted a three-storey building near the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, sending shockwaves through the surrounding community as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

The blaze reportedly engulfed portions of the multi-level structure, with flames and thick smoke creating a frightening scene in the busy Manhyia area of the Ashanti Regional capital.

The building’s proximity to Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has drawn additional attention to the incident.

Residents, motorists and people conducting business around the area were alarmed as the fire intensified, raising concerns about the safety of nearby properties and individuals who may have been inside the affected structure.

Emergency personnel were expected to focus on bringing the blaze under control and preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

The full extent of the destruction remains unclear, while information concerning possible injuries or casualties had not been independently confirmed at the time of publication.

The cause of the inferno is also yet to be established. Fire investigators are expected to examine the scene once conditions are safe to determine what may have triggered the blaze.

Kumasi has experienced several major commercial and residential fires in recent years, including devastating incidents that have destroyed shops and properties worth significant amounts of money. In March 2025, a major fire ripped through a three-storey commercial building at Adum, destroying several shops and leaving traders counting heavy losses.

The latest incident near Manhyia Palace is expected to renew concerns about fire prevention, electrical safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated parts of Kumasi.

Authorities are yet to release comprehensive details about the incident, and further updates are expected as emergency teams assess the damage and investigate the cause of the fire.