A devastating fire swept through parts of the Dansoman Market in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming the life of an 8-year-old girl and destroying several wooden kiosks and shops.
The fire reportedly started around 12:02 a.m. within the market, which is made up largely of wooden stalls. Although firefighters from the Dansoman Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified.
Eight additional fire tenders from stations including Ministries, National Headquarters, and Madina were deployed, supported by water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
Fire crews battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control, with overhauling operations continuing into the morning to eliminate remaining hotspots.
The young girl, who was trapped inside one of the kiosks, died during the incident. Her remains have been handed over to the police as part of ongoing investigations.
Large portions of the market, particularly wooden structures, container shops, and trading points, were destroyed. Many traders reported losing goods, stock, and their entire business setups.
Other nearby shops, however, were saved through timely intervention by firefighters.
Police have cordoned off the scene to support the Ghana National Fire Service in determining the cause of the fire.
Some traders and eyewitnesses suspect a gas-cylinder explosion or an electrical fault, but officials say it is too early to confirm.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kwaku Addo, visited the area to sympathise with affected traders and assess immediate needs.
The rapid spread of the fire, despite the market’s close proximity to a fire station, has once again raised concerns about fire-safety infrastructure in major markets across the country.
Many informal markets rely heavily on wooden kiosks, often coupled with unsafe wiring and the use of gas cylinders, making them highly vulnerable.
The tragic loss of a child is expected to intensify calls for stricter enforcement of fire-safety regulations, improved infrastructure, and routine inspections to prevent future disasters.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/J.W. Quarm
