By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
At 0117 hours on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received a distress call about a commercial fire at the Accra Timber Market near Ayalolo School. The first firefighting crew arrived on scene at 0121 hours.
A total of 7 fire engines from Accra City, Accra Regional Headquarters Substation, Ministries, Circle, National Headquarters, Abelemkpe, and Legon Fire Stations, supported by 1 GNFS water tanker and 2 additional tankers from AMA and Ablekuma Municipal Assembly, were deployed.
Through coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 0626 hours, brought under control at 0637 hours, and finally extinguished at 1144 hours.
Two firefighters sustained injuries, one (1) from electrical shock and another with burns on the left arm. Both were treated, discharged, and are responding well to treatment.
While several shops dealing in wooden planks and hardware materials were destroyed, adjoining buildings, including the Ayalolo cluster of Schools, were salvaged due to the swift intervention of firefighters.
The Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, was at the scene to assess the situation and provide operational support. She was joined by the Deputy Director of Operations, ACFO II Osmond Anum, the Greater Accra Regional Commander, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, and other senior officers who ensured effective firefighting coordination.
Special appreciation goes to all supporting agencies for their relentless efforts. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
