A severe fire broke out late Sunday night [November 24], engulfing multiple wooden structures at Agbogbloshie in Accra. The inferno caused extensive destruction, displacing several residents and destroying livelihoods, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received the distress call at 9:38 pm and promptly dispatched two fire tenders from the Accra City and Circle Fire Stations.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within ten minutes, at 9:48 pm. However, by that time, the fire had already spread uncontrollably, fueled by the flammable materials used in the makeshift structures.
Firefighters faced significant challenges, including poor accessibility to the fire site, which slowed their ability to combat the flames effectively.
Assistant Division Officer Alex King Nartey of the GNFS Public Affairs Department explained in a Facebook livestream, “Accessibility was a problem. Even getting to the scene was a major challenge. It was also difficult to replenish water supplies due to the area’s layout.”
Despite these challenges, the GNFS team worked tirelessly, managing to bring the blaze under control by 12:54 am and completely extinguishing it by 1:38 am, nearly four hours after the initial report.
The fire destroyed numerous makeshift wooden structures, which served as both homes and businesses for many residents. These included shops, storage units, and living spaces, all of which were reduced to ashes. The financial losses are estimated to be substantial, as residents lost goods, personal belongings, and essential documents in the blaze.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as residents scrambled to salvage their belongings. “The fire spread so fast that most of us couldn’t save anything. Everything is gone,” said one distraught resident.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but investigations are underway. The GNFS has urged residents in densely populated areas to adhere to fire safety measures and ensure that their electrical wiring and open flames are well-managed to prevent such disasters.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of informal settlements like Agbogbloshie, where flammable materials, overcrowding, and limited infrastructure pose significant risks. The GNFS has called for improved urban planning and fire safety education to mitigate the recurrence of such events.
Meanwhile, affected residents are calling on government agencies and charitable organizations for immediate assistance, including temporary shelter and relief supplies.
Community leaders have also emphasized the need for long-term measures, such as the construction of fire-resistant housing, to prevent future tragedies.
