Koforidua man arrested for looting jewellery during Starlet Street fire outbreak

Koforidua Police have arrested a 32-year-old man suspected of exploiting the chaos of a major fire outbreak to steal jewellery from a market stand, highlighting security challenges during emergency incidents in Ghana's cities.

Abubakar Abdul Latif was taken into custody following an investigation into jewellery theft that occurred on October 4, 2026, at approximately 01:20 hours during a fire at Starlet 21 Street. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Asante Kusi, the New Juaben South Municipal Crime Officer, the suspect allegedly seized the opportunity while firefighters and emergency responders were occupied battling the flames to take female jewellery from a nearby stand.

Authorities say the suspect is assisting investigators in custody as they piece together the circumstances of the theft.

The fire outbreak and emergency response

The fire began the previous evening around 22:30 hours on October 3 in a room within a multi-storey building and rapidly spread to other sections of the structure. Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel and Police officers responded swiftly to contain the blaze and manage the large crowd that gathered at the scene.

High-ranking officials, including Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey and New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive Ransford Owusu Boakye, visited the scene at approximately 23:10 hours to assess damage and commend emergency services. DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah, the Eastern Regional Police Commander, was also present during the assessment.

A fire officer, STO Atuahene James of Metro-Koforidua, sustained injuries while fighting the fire and was transported to the Eastern Regional Hospital. When Police visited him on October 4 at 14:30 hours, his condition was stable and responding to treatment.

Why it matters for Ghana

This incident underscores a persistent challenge facing Ghanaian communities during emergencies—the vulnerability of shops and market stalls to theft when attention is diverted to containing crises. Large-scale fires, floods, and accidents that draw emergency responders away from business areas create windows of opportunity for opportunistic criminals.

The case also reflects the broader need for enhanced coordination between Police, fire services, and local traders during emergencies to protect livelihoods and property. Many small business owners in Koforidua and similar urban centres depend entirely on their stock for survival, making such losses devastating. Officials' swift response and commitment to investigations signal Government's intent to support both emergency preparedness and business protection, though enforcement challenges remain.

As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, Police say calm has been restored in the affected area.