Fire ravages Accra Arts Centre area
More than 50 wooden structures were destroyed in a fire near the National Lotteries office, directly opposite the Arts Centre in Accra, on Tuesday evening.
Workers at the Arts Centre are now grappling with the aftermath of the blaze, having lost their shops, merchandise, and livelihoods
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed the incident, stating that although the damage was extensive, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
According to a statement posted on the GNFS’s official Facebook page, the fire was reported at approximately 18:20 GMT.
Firefighters from the Ministries Fire Station were the first to respond, arriving at the scene within six minutes.
However, by the time they arrived, the fire had already reached an advanced stage.
Initial firefighting efforts were hindered by non-functioning hydrants in the area, forcing the GNFS to call in additional support.
Four more fire engines,from the Electoral Commission, Accra City, Parliament House, and the Greater Accra Regional Headquarters, were dispatched to contain the blaze.
Despite the challenges, the firefighting team managed to bring the fire under control by 19:00 GMT and fully extinguished it by 20:44 GMT.
The structures affected were primarily wooden kiosks and makeshift dwellings. All were completely destroyed, along with their contents.
However, firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby permanent structures, thanks to what the GNFS described as a “swift and coordinated” operation.
Senior fire officers, including Assistant Chief Fire Officer II (ACFO II) Osmond Anum and Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander ACFO II Rashid Nisawu, were present to oversee the operation.
The GNFS has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.
