The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that no lives were lost in the recent fire outbreak at a slum in the La Nkwantanang area near Madina Ritz Junction in the Greater Accra Region.
This clarification follows earlier reports alleging that a four-month-old baby had perished in the blaze, which destroyed several wooden and container structures in the densely populated area.
Speaking to Adom News, Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, Divisional Officer II (DO II) Desmond Ackah, dismissed the claims and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
“We heard the reports and dispatched a team again to the scene this morning to verify. We spoke with affected residents, including the unit committee member, and we can confirm that no life was lost in the fire. All the women living in the area confirmed that no child or individual died during the incident. We are currently investigating the cause of the fire,” he said.
The fire, which broke out on the evening of Monday, July 15, 2025, was reported around 7:00 p.m. and involved several structures used for both residential and commercial purposes.
The Madina Fire Station responded within four minutes and was supported by personnel from the Legon and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.
Despite facing multiple challenges — including limited access routes, several gas explosions, and the absence of fire hydrants — the team managed to contain the fire by 7:50 p.m. and fully extinguish it by 9:43 p.m.
While no injuries or fatalities were recorded, the incident caused extensive damage to makeshift structures and personal property.
Preliminary reports from eyewitnesses suggest the fire may have been triggered by a gas explosion. Mary Abgavetor, a resident whose container structure was destroyed, recounted: “A woman was cooking with a gas stove yesterday and left to visit a friend. That’s when the fire started and spread rapidly.”
The GNFS is urging residents in informal settlements to adhere to fire safety protocols, particularly when using gas and electrical appliances.
“These incidents highlight the urgent need for fire safety awareness, especially in high-risk communities,” DO II Ackah emphasized.
A full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and to prevent future occurrences.
Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
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