Abubakar Abdul Latif, 32, was arrested in Koforidua for stealing female jewellery from a stand during a fire outbreak at Starlet 21 Street. The incident happened in the early hours of October 4, 2026, at about 01:20.
The fire began on October 3 at around 22:30 in a room of a storey building on Starlet 21 Street. It quickly spread, prompting a response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Police. Officers worked to control the blaze, secure the area, and manage the crowd that gathered.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Augustine Asante Kusi, New Juaben South Municipal Crime Officer, confirmed the arrest. He said Latif took advantage of the confusion caused by the fire to steal jewellery near the scene. The suspect is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.
Among the officials who visited the site at about 23:10 on October 3 were Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister; Mr Ransford Owusu Boakye, Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South; and DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah, Eastern Regional Police Commander. They assessed the damage, praised the swift response by GNFS and police, and assured the affected parties of government support.
STO Atuahene James, a fire officer from Metro-Koforidua, was injured while fighting the fire. He was rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital. Police visited him on October 4 at around 14:30. He was stable and responding to treatment, ASP Kusi said.
Calm returned to the area as investigations continued into the fire’s cause.
According to Joy Online.
