Ghana ministry fire 'was arson'

Some offices were saved, but the other side of building was completely gutted

Ghana's Foreign Ministry building has been largely destroyed in a fire police suspect was started deliberately.

Officials said no-one had been killed or injured in the blaze, which raged after working hours on Wednesday.

Police arrested three people who were near the building, in the capital Accra, when the fire started.

It is thought a number of important historical documents dating back to Ghana's independence in 1957 were lost in the fire.

The BBC's David Amanor, in Accra, says the twisted metal and blackened concrete pillars of the building were still smouldering early on Thursday.

He said it was the third fire at a ministry this year.

Firefighters are being criticised for their response to the blaze.

Our correspondent says their ladders were too short - so they could reach only the third floor of the building.

Witnesses told the French AFP news agency that crews took more than an hour to arrive at the scene because of the evening traffic jams.

President John Atta Mills visited the site of the ministry on Thursday and expressed thanks that no life was lost.

"I have directed that the committee be formed to investigate the causes of this disaster," he said.

He defended the fire service and said he was not interested in a witch hunt.

Police chief Rose Bio-Atenga said arson was suspected, but did not speculate on any possible motives.

"There are so many theories that are flying all over, and we welcome all manner of information from the general public," she said.