A fire outbreak at Makola Market in Accra has destroyed several shops and goods worth thousands of cedis, leaving traders counting their losses as firefighters work to bring the situation under control.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, during heavy rainfall and quickly spread through sections of the busy commercial hub. Thick smoke billowed into the air as frightened traders and shoppers rushed to safety.
The fire consumed merchandise and other valuable items belonging to traders. Although the full extent of the damage has not yet been determined, many business owners are feared to have suffered significant losses.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were deployed to the scene and have been battling the flames to prevent them from spreading to nearby buildings and businesses.
Speaking at the scene, ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the GNFS said firefighters encountered additional challenges during the operation after discovering several gas cylinders inside some of the affected structures.
The presence of the cylinders increased the risk of explosions and complicated efforts to contain the fire.
Despite the severity of the blaze, Nartey noted that a building belonging to Ghana Water Ltd, located close to the affected structures, had not been damaged.
He also disclosed that a commercial bank situated on the opposite side of the burning buildings remained safe from the fire.
The emergency response was, however, marred by an injury to one of the firefighters. According to ADO1 Nartey, the officer sustained what he described as a life-threatening injury when a metal component detached from a firefighting hose and struck him in the chest.
The injured firefighter was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Officials have yet to provide details on the ownership of the affected structures, including a two-storey building that was caught up in the blaze.
GNFS investigators are expected to begin examining the scene to establish the cause of the incident. Further updates are anticipated as authorities assess the damage and gather more information about the outbreak.
