Fire guts Rawlings’s residence

Fire gutted the Ridge residence of former President Jerry John Rawlings on early Sunday morning and consumed personal effects of the former first couple.

The cause of the fire, which started at dawn, is yet to be known. However, damage is said to be extensive.

Former President Rawlings was not at home when the fire started but he has since arrived in the house. Only his wife and one of their daughters were at home and there is no report of casualties, according to initial reports.

Smoke is still billowing from the ruins of the residence at 0900.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) officers and security personnel are at the residence.

Many government officials, senior officials and foot soldiers of the National Democratic Congress have come to residence to sympathise with the Rawlingses.

The former first couple has lived in the house, an old colonial bungalow, since the early 1980s.

The GNFS and security officials are scheduled to hold a press conference late in the morning.

Source: GNA