The Kwadaso Circuit Court has detained three suspects over accusations of assaulting firefighters during the Racecourse Market blaze in Kumasi.

Solomon Anaba, 18; Akongoli Adoko, 18; and Lamamia Ishmael, 21, labourers by profession, face charges of conspiracy to assault a public officer and assault on a public officer. They did not enter pleas.

Upon the request of ASP Jonas Newlove Adjei, the prosecutor, the court approved the detainees' remand in police custody to facilitate ongoing investigations.ASP Adjei emphasised concerns that releasing the accused, who are squatters, could hinder the inquiry process.

Presiding Judge His Honour Stephen Kumi granted the prosecution's plea, ordering the defendants to remain in custody until their next court appearance scheduled for March 26, 2024.

The arrests followed an incident on March 11, 2024, where the suspects allegedly hurled stones at firefighters dispatched from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital fire station to tackle a fierce blaze at the Racecourse Market.One firefighter sustained injuries from the assault, requiring medical treatment.The assault contributed to delays in firefighting efforts, resulting in the destruction of over one hundred metal container shops.

It took nearly six hours for firefighters to contain the inferno.