A fierce fire swept through the Dansoman Market in Accra on Tuesday, claiming the life of a young girl and destroying several structures as firefighters raced to bring the situation under control.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says its first fire tender reached the scene within two minutes of receiving the distress call. However, by the time crews arrived, the flames had already engulfed large sections of the market, forcing an immediate request for additional support.
Eight more fire tenders from the National Headquarters, Ministries, and Madina stations were deployed as firefighters battled the intense blaze for nearly an hour. Although the fire has now been contained, officials say it has not yet been fully extinguished.
Several wooden stalls and metal containers have been reduced to rubble, with traders gathering outside the cordoned-off area in shock as they assessed the scale of the devastation.
According to Regional Fire Officer ACFO Rashid Kwame Nisawu, response efforts were initially slowed by large crowds of onlookers who blocked access routes. Police officers were called in to disperse the crowd and secure the area to allow the firefighting operation to proceed.
He also noted difficulties with maintaining a consistent water supply but assured the public that fire crews were “doing everything humanly possible” to prevent the flames from spreading further. He added that the GNFS intends to launch a fire safety education drive in the community after the situation stabilizes.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Dr. Kwaku Addo, visited the scene alongside GNFS Director of Finance, DCFO Mark Brako Appiah, to assess the damage and offer support to emergency personnel.
Firefighters remain at the market to dampen hotspots and prevent reignition as investigations into the cause of the fire begin.
