A devastating fire has torn through multiple wooden and container structures along the Agbogba to Ritz Junction Road near Madina, Accra, leaving a trail of destruction that has displaced residents and destroyed several businesses.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded quickly to the blaze, working tirelessly under challenging conditions to contain the fire. According to Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for the GNFS, the fire spread rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of the structures, which were primarily made of wood and metal containers.
“It’s a lot of wooden and container structures planted together, so it made the spread of the fire much easier,” Nartey explained.
At least 12 structures were partially destroyed, but firefighters managed to save over 50 nearby buildings, preventing further devastation. The fire posed significant challenges for the firefighters, including gaining access to locked containers, many of which had reinforced doors and air conditioning units.
Additionally, the presence of electrical poles from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) added to the danger, with some firefighters reportedly experiencing electric shocks during their efforts to control the blaze.
“The fire is under control now,” Nartey reassured, but added that efforts are still ongoing to ensure the flames do not reignite. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
As the community begins to assess the damage, questions remain about the safety and response efforts in areas with such high concentrations of flammable structures.
