A raging fire was brought under control at the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi in the Western Region on Sunday, June 21, 2026, after firefighters and other emergency responders successfully contained the blaze before it spread to nearby critical installations.
The fire destroyed a premix fuel storage facility used by fishermen and damaged several properties, including two saloon vehicles, fuel tanks, fuel drums, and portions of nearby infrastructure.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary investigations, torrential rains triggered a minor landslide behind the fuel storage area, causing trees, rocks, and an electricity pole to collapse onto the facility.
Authorities believe the impact, coupled with electrical sparks from the fallen pole, may have ignited fuel vapours and sparked the inferno.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said personnel from the Sekondi Metro Fire Station were dispatched after receiving a distress call at 4:34 p.m. and arrived at the scene within 10 minutes, only to find the fuel storage facility fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters immediately began efforts to contain the blaze, receiving support from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Fire Department, the Ghana Navy Fire Service, and the Ghana Air Force Fire Service.
In all, four fire tenders and a water tanker were deployed to battle the flames.
Given the highly flammable nature of the facility, emergency responders employed strategic containment measures and used large quantities of foam concentrate to suppress both the fire and volatile fuel vapours.
The blaze was brought under control at about 6:13 p.m. and completely extinguished by 8:15 p.m., despite persistent rainfall.
Speaking after the operation, DO3 Emmanuel Bonney of the Western Regional Fire Command confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
Preliminary assessments indicate that five surface fuel tanks, underground fuel storage facilities, several fuel drums, two saloon cars and portions of the walls of the GPHA Main Administration Block were damaged by the fire.
The GNFS noted that the swift intervention by the various agencies prevented the fire from spreading to the wider fishing harbour, nearby fishing vessels, ECG pylons and the GPHA main fuel depot.
The Service described the operation as crucial in averting what could have become a major industrial, commercial and environmental disaster.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, the GNFS has expressed appreciation to all the agencies that participated in the operation for their professionalism, teamwork and dedication in bringing the situation under control.
Also read:
