A massive fire ripped through over 100 wooden structures in the Tema Heavy Industrial Area on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, leaving a number of residents and business owners to grapple with significant losses.
The inferno, which began around 11:00 p.m., is believed to have originated from a cooking kiosk. Eyewitnesses reported that the flames rapidly spread, consuming properties and livelihoods. Many of the makeshift wooden buildings were completely destroyed, leaving residents with nothing. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Victims have expressed frustration over what they describe as a slow response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), claiming the delay allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably. One resident recounted rushing out “almost naked” with her daughter after being alerted by her brother, stating, “As we speak, I’ve lost everything.” She appealed to the government for assistance.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the fire’s cause or the full extent of the damage. Displaced residents are currently appealing for urgent support to help them cope with the destruction.
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A Recurring Problem: Fire Outbreaks in Ghana
Ghana has a long history of preventable fire outbreaks, and 2025 has been no exception. The Ashanti region alone reported 80 fire incidents between January 1 and 12, encompassing domestic, bush, and market fires. By April 2025, the Ghana National Fire Service had recorded 2,764 incidents out of 4,490 fire alerts.
Market fires are a particularly persistent issue, with significant incidents in 2025 including the Kantamanto market fire in January and the Techiman Central Market fire, both causing widespread damage and economic disruption. The first quarter of the year, coinciding with the dry season, typically sees a higher frequency of outbreaks. In 2024, Ghana recorded 4,651 fire incidents between January and September, according to reports.
GNFS Mandate and the Need for Prevention
Many of these fires could potentially be prevented if the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) re-emphasized its preventative strategies. Re-established in 1997 by Act 537 of Parliament, the GNFS’s vision is to create safer communities through “world-class fire protection and emergency response services.” Its core objective is the prevention and management of undesired fire outbreaks.
To achieve this, the GNFS is mandated to perform several critical functions:
- Organizing public fire education programs to raise awareness about fire hazards and prevention.
- Offering technical advice on building plans, fire safety features, and structural layouts for effective escape, rescue, and fire management.
- Inspecting and advising on fire extinguishers.
- Coordinating the training of firefighting personnel in various institutions.
- Training and organizing community-level fire volunteer squads.
- Providing rescue and evacuation services for those trapped by fire or in other emergencies.
- Carrying out any other function related to its objectives.
The core duty of the Fire Service is to prevent the destruction of properties by fire and rescue victims in various situations. Given its regimental nature, there’s an expectation that the GNFS should be more focused on fire prevention rather than solely on fire control.
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This year ankasa the first outbreak is too much , may GOD help us
Hmmm so sad