On 5 March 2025, there was a catastrophic explosion in the Konongo-Odumasi area of the Ashanti Region resulting in multiple fatalities, severe injuries, and extensive property damage. Verified reports from leading media outlets such as MyJoyOnline and 3News, as well as Officials from The Small Arms Commission in the Ashanti Region indicate that the blast, which originated from shops trading in mining explosives, claimed the lives of three individuals and left several others injured, including fire-fighters.
The explosion struck a cluster of shops dealing in dynamites and other essential mining materials near a fuel station in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality—approximately 50 meters from the fuel station. Initial eyewitness accounts and official statements reported one fatality, but later updates confirmed that three people lost their lives. In addition, at least two firefighters were injured, with some victims remaining in critical condition. Over 20 houses and local businesses sustained significant structural damage, including ripped roofs and collapsed structures. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals while local fire brigades worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
Interviews with some eyewitnesses suggest that a thunder strike may have allegedly ignited a volatile mixture of gaseous substances, gas cylinders, and dynamites in one of the shops trading in mining materials for supply to illegal miners, setting off the deadly explosion.
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) wishes to caution the general public that possessing or dealing in explosives illegally is against the law as captured in S.192 of the Criminal and Offences Act (Act 29) which makes it a first degree felony. This means that any person found guilty is liable to imprisonment of not less than 10 years.
NACSA is also calling for an end to the sale of explosive materials in densely populated areas and emphasizes the need for shop owners to fully disclose their stock of hazardous substances to regulatory bodies to strengthen public safety. The aim is to enforce full transparency regarding explosive inventories, ensure that storage and handling practices meet the highest safety standards in order to forestall any negative humanitarian impact.
NACSA remains committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that explosives are managed responsibly. These efforts aim not only to safeguard lives and property but also to foster a culture of accountability and transparency in the management of hazardous materials.
As part of its commitment to promoting peace and security, NACSA will continue to closely monitor developments related to the incident and work alongside relevant authorities to ensure that explosives are handled in full compliance of the law.
If you witness any suspicious activity related to firearms, and ammunition including explosives, make it a duty as a good citizen to report it to either the National Security on 999, the Ghana Police Service on 18555 or the Small Arms Commission on +233 (0)302 669 071. Suspicions can also be channelled via email info@smallarmscommission.gov.gh or Direct Messages on our official social media platforms: Small Arms Commission, Ghana on Facebook & LinkedIn, @SmallArmsGh on X (Twitter)
Sources: MyJoyOnline, 3News, NACSA