Chief Fire Officer II (CFOII) James Akowuah, the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Fire Officer, has urged Ghanaians to adopt strict fire safety measures in their homes, offices, and workplaces to protect lives and property during this festive season.
He advised residents to install basic fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors and to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season.
Mr Akowuah made the call during a visit to survivors of a devastating fire outbreak that engulfed a residential building at Atwima Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality on the night of Monday, December 22, 2025.
The inferno, which reportedly started around midnight, claimed the lives of six family members, including a three-month-old baby. Other victims included a seven-year-old girl, two 19-year-old senior high school graduates, and two adults aged 25 and 35.
Eleven other occupants of the house sustained varying degrees of injuries while escaping from the fire.
Mr Akowuah cautioned the public to exercise extreme care during the yuletide to prevent fire outbreaks, urging residents to unplug electrical appliances during power outages and to handle gas and open flames with caution.
He assured the victims and residents that the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) would conduct a swift investigation to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future occurrences.
The origin of the outbreak is still unidentified; however, the GNFS, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has initiated an investigation.
In the meantime, a delegation from the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Assembly, headed by Ayamba Osman Moro, visited the affected family and provided five bags each of rice and maize, five bottles of cooking oil, five mosquito nets, and an undisclosed sum of money.
While receiving the donations on behalf of the family, the landlord, Mr. Akwasi Abayie, conveyed his appreciation to the Assembly and requested further assistance, especially clothing for the victims.
He recounted that around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, his wife, Maame Akua Poku, spotted flames in one of the rooms and raised an alarm to warn other tenants to evacuate.
Unfortunately, the deceased were trapped and burned beyond recognition.
Mr. Abayie stated that the charred remains were found after personnel from the GNFS stations at Nkawie and Twedie managed to extinguish the fire.
