A midnight fire has destroyed the Sunyani Circuit Court and District Court “B” complex, wiping out critical legal records and property.

The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, reduced the facility to ashes, leaving courtrooms filled with debris and charred remains.

The Bono Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade I (ACFOI) Cecil Addo, told journalists that the extent of destruction was total, with the cause of the fire yet to be established.

The roof of the building partially caved in, while the walls were blackened by thick smoke, indicating the intensity of the inferno.

Vital documents and equipment destroyed

Inside the complex, essential court materials, including case files, record books, computers and other office equipment were completely destroyed. Wooden benches and furnishings were also reduced to ashes, with remnants found scattered across the premises.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service battled the fire for about eight hours before bringing it under control.

Police officers, firefighters and court staff were later seen salvaging what remained of the burnt items.

When journalists visited the scene on Sunday morning, fire officers were still working to contain residual flames.

The incident has caused anxiety among litigants, particularly those with cases nearing judgment, as many rushed to the scene seeking clarity on the fate of their cases.

Eyewitness account of outbreak

A security officer on duty, Salam Baba Mamudu, said the fire started around 1:00 a.m. while he was inside the building.

He recounted hearing unusual sounds from the ceiling moments before parts of it began to collapse.

“Smoke quickly filled the building, making it hard for him to see.

“I couldn’t find my way out,” he said, explaining that some nearby residents helped him to escape.

Water shortage hampers firefighting efforts

ACFOI Addo said efforts to contain the fire were severely hampered by water shortages.

He explained that fire tenders ran out of water, and attempts to access hydrants in Sunyani proved unsuccessful as they were not functioning.

Firefighters also turned to Ghana Water Limited for supply but were unable to secure water.

Eventually, water had to be procured from a private source at Bakoniaba to continue the operation.

"Because of the delay, the fire started again at some point before they finally brought it under control," he said.