By Issah Olegor
A devastating midnight fire, widely suspected to be linked to the recurring power instability—commonly referred to as dumsor—has completely razed down the Sunyani Circuit Court and District Court “B” complex in the Bono Region, destroying critical legal documents and throwing the administration of justice in the area into disarray.
The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026, reduced the entire court facility to rubble, leaving behind charred debris, collapsed roofing, and smoke-blackened walls that bore evidence of the intensity of the inferno.
The destruction marks one of the most significant losses to judicial infrastructure in recent years, reigniting concerns over the vulnerability of public institutions amid the intermittent power supply challenges.
According to the Bono Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I, Cecil Addo, the fire caused extensive damage, with almost nothing salvageable from the scene. While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause, the timing and pattern of the outbreak have fueled speculation about possible electrical faults linked to power fluctuations—an issue that has plagued the country during periods of dumsor.
Inside the destroyed complex were vital judicial materials, including case dockets, record books, computers, and other essential office equipment, all of which were completely consumed by the flames.
The Courtroom furniture such as wooden benches and desks, was also burnt beyond recognition, leaving scattered ashes across the premises.
The loss is particularly troubling for litigants whose cases were nearing completion, as the destruction of records raises uncertainty about the continuity and outcome of ongoing trials.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service battled the inferno for nearly eight hours before bringing it under control. However, their efforts were severely hampered by a lack of a reliable water supply.
ACFOI Addo disclosed that fire tenders quickly ran out of water, and attempts to access nearby hydrants proved futile as they were non-functional.
Efforts to secure water from the Ghana Water Limited also yielded no results, forcing firefighters to rely on a private water source at Bakoniaba.
The delay allowed the fire to reignite at one point, further worsening the destruction.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene paint a harrowing picture of the outbreak. A security officer on duty, Salam Baba Mamudu, recounted that the fire began around 1:00 a.m. after he heard unusual cracking sounds from the ceiling. Moments later, parts of the structure started collapsing as thick smoke rapidly engulfed the building, leaving him disoriented and struggling to find an exit.
He was eventually rescued by nearby residents who responded to his distress.
By Sunday morning, police officers, firefighters, and court staff were seen combing through the wreckage in an attempt to salvage any remaining materials, while fire officers continued to contain residual flames.
The incident has sparked anxiety among residents and court users in Sunyani, many of whom rushed to the scene seeking clarity on the fate of their cases.
