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| Firefighters and residents assess damage after a blaze destroys commercial shops at Achimota Abofu—cause linked to unattended cooking |
- Intro
- Fire Incident Overview
- Cause of Fire and Official Statement
- Emergency Response and Containment
- Negligence and Fire Safety Violations
- Access Challenges and Regulatory Concerns
- Summary
Intro:
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, a fire outbreak ravaged a cluster of commercial shops at Achimota Abofu, near the Shell Filling Station in Accra. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the blaze, which destroyed several shops dealing in assorted beverages, was caused by unattended cooking. The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety compliance in informal commercial zones, particularly where traders continue to flout regulations by cooking in enclosed retail spaces.Fire Incident Overview
The fire broke out in the early afternoon, engulfing a row of container shops situated near a busy fuel station. Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of smoke and intense heat as the flames spread rapidly through the tightly packed structures. Three fire appliances from the Anyaa, National Headquarters, and Legon Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control. No casualties were reported, but property damage is estimated in the tens of thousands of cedis.Cause of Fire and Official Statement
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Accra Regional Fire Commander ACFO Rashid Kwame Nisawu confirmed the cause of the fire: The GNFS has classified the incident as a case of negligence, emphasizing that the fire was entirely preventable.Emergency Response and Containment
The swift deployment of fire appliances from three stations helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby fuel infrastructure and residential areas. However, firefighters faced significant challenges due to: • Narrow access routes to the shops • Lack of fire hydrants in the immediate vicinity • Flammable materials stored within the shops The GNFS has commended its personnel for their rapid response, which averted a potentially larger disaster.Negligence and Fire Safety Violations
ACFO Nisawu used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to market traders: He stressed that cooking in commercial shops, especially those constructed from metal containers, poses a high fire risk due to poor ventilation and proximity to combustible goods.Access Challenges and Regulatory Concerns
The fire commander also highlighted broader issues affecting fire response in urban markets: • Blocked access routes due to poor planning and illegal structures • Non-compliance with fire safety regulations by shop owners • Lack of functional fire hydrants in commercial zones He urged facility owners and municipal authorities to prioritize fire safety infrastructure and adhere to GNFS guidelines to prevent future tragedies.Summary:
- A fire destroyed several shops at Achimota Abofu on November 9, 2025, due to unattended cooking.
- GNFS confirmed the fire began in a container shop where soup was left on a stove.
- Three fire stations responded swiftly, containing the blaze before it reached nearby fuel stations.
- Officials blame negligence and repeated violations of fire safety rules by market traders.
- GNFS is calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and improved market infrastructure.
“Fire safety is not a suggestion—it’s a responsibility. One pot of soup should not cost a community its livelihood.”
Sources: Societal Vibz Investigations; Ghana National Fire Service; Channel One Newsroom
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