A three-year-old boy has died in a fire outbreak at Dagomba Line in Asawase, a suburb of Kumasi.

According to eyewitness accounts, the deceased was having a nap with his elderly sister when fire consumed their wooden structure serving as shelter.

His 12-year-old sister managed to escape the blaze but failed to wake the deceased brother.

Although it’s unclear what started the fire, residents suspect a faulty electrical connection instigated the fire.

The residents attempted to douse the fire, but they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the blaze.

The structure, together with some property, was reduced to char.

The charred body has since been buried as authorities begin further investigation to establish the cause of the fire outbreak.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has frozen the acquisition process of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine by Heath Goldfields Limited, citing ongoing investigations into alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the transaction.

In a letter dated 23rd December 2024, EOCO requested the Minerals Commission to produce documents and provide information related to the registration process of the acquisition.

EOCO specifically asked for details concerning the acquisition by Heath Goldfields Limited and any other documents related to the mine’s transfer.

The investigation, initiated by EOCO, seeks to uncover the veracity of the acquisition and whether it was carried out through fraudulent means.

As part of its investigation, EOCO has requested the cooperation of the Minerals Commission, asking officials to report to the Executive Director of the office or their representative to provide the necessary documents and information.

In accordance with Section 33 of the Economic and Organised Crime Act, 2010 (Act 804), EOCO has imposed a freeze on the acquisition process, halting further transactions between the companies involved until the investigation is concluded.

This action follows concerns regarding the legitimacy of the acquisition of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine, a significant asset in Ghana’s mining sector.

The Executive Director of EOCO, Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, who signed the directive also requested immediate compliance from the Minerals Commission, emphasising the importance of resolving the issue promptly.

The freezing of the acquisition process comes after the current managers of the mine, Blue Gold Bogoso Prestea Limited, raised red flags over the process, alleging it was being yanked off the business for no apparent reason.

Joyce Mogtari Bawah, special aide and spokesperson for John Mahama’s campaign in 2024, has stated that the incoming Mahama administration will focus on enhancing the country’s market infrastructure, following the devastating Kantamanto fire that destroyed businesses belonging to over 30,000 traders.

“He [John Mahama] has assured us that the market enhancement project will commence immediately, and the team is set to visit these areas to assess what can be done,” she said.

Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile on Saturday with Samson Lardy, she added, “I told my boss a few days ago that this must become the model for his discussions about enhancing markets in Ghana. If it means revisiting the drawing board or re-demarcating the area to ensure that these parts of the land are designated as sustainable market spaces, then so be it.”

She also mentioned that Mr Mahama has initiated discussions with the international community on improving various sectors in the country, including the power sector.

The Kantamanto fire tragically claimed one life and devastated thousands of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), they suspect the cause to be either an electrical fault or a case of arson.

The fire erupted late on Thursday night and spread widespread destruction, with traders scrambling to salvage their goods as the flames rapidly spread.