The recent fire outbreak near the National Lotteries office, across from the Arts Centre in Accra, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the blaze consumed more than 50 wooden structures on the evening of Tuesday, 24 June 2025. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities as a result of the incident.
The fire was first reported at 18:20 GMT, with fire crews from the Ministries Fire Station responding within six minutes. However, by the time they arrived, the fire had already engulfed a significant number of structures. The situation was further compounded by non-functional hydrants in the area, necessitating the dispatch of additional fire engines from various substations in the vicinity.
Despite facing challenges, the firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 19:00 GMT and completely extinguished it by 20:44 GMT. The impacted structures, mostly wooden kiosks and temporary dwellings, were reduced to ashes along with their contents. Thankfully, neighboring buildings were spared from the flames due to the prompt and coordinated efforts of the fire teams.
Senior officials from the GNFS, including ACFO II Osmond Anum and Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, were present at the scene to oversee the operation. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated by the GNFS to ascertain the underlying factors that led to the outbreak.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate hydrant systems in densely populated areas of Accra. The presence of combustible materials and poor urban planning only serves to exacerbate the threat of urban fires in such zones. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, it is crucial for stakeholders to come together and address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents. By fostering a culture of fire safety and implementing measures to enhance emergency response capabilities, we can strive towards a safer and more resilient urban environment for all residents.
