By Abigail Nyahe
A fire outbreak behind the VVIP Station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in the Greater Accra Region early Tuesday morning, January 20, destroyed about 50 shops mainly used as warehouses for phone accessories and other merchandise. The inferno also affected other structures serving as homes and food vending points in the busy commercial enclave. This has left dozens stranded, displaced, and counting heavy losses.
Scene at disaster site
Days after the flames were doused, the scene still tells a painful story. The extent of the destruction was evident, as debris from burnt structures and goods were still visible, bearing testimony to the heavy losses suffered.
Some of the affected traders returned not to trade, but to search through the debris for anything the fire spared.
For residents whose homes were destroyed, it was a painful return to inspect the remains of what once served as shelter, reduced to ashes within hours.
Among them were scavengers, who also moved swiftly from one heap of debris to another. They collected scraps of metal, burnt wiring, and damaged roofing sheets—items that may fetch a few cedis elsewhere.
Victims continue to count losses
Many of the victims, speaking to GBC expressed fear over how to restart their livelihoods without support.
One of the victims, Ishmael Musah, a mobile phone accessories dealer, said he lost close to forty thousand Ghana cedis and has been restless ever since.
“We’re stranded at the moment. My mom is a food vendor and I sell mobile phone accessories. We didn’t have anywhere to sleep, so we slept at the VVIP station yesterday and were bitten by mosquitoes,” he said.
According to him, he was present when the fire started but could not salvage any of his items before the flames engulfed his shop.
“Everything in my shop got burnt. My items alone can be estimated at about forty thousand Ghana cedis. I wasn’t able to take even a single item,” he lamented.
“They are clearing the area and have told us we won’t be allowed to stay here again,” he added.
He appealed for support to enable them to rebuild.
Salome, a food vendor and mother of two, said she had just finished preparing food when the fire broke out.
“When the fire started, we had already finished cooking, so we couldn’t pick up anything. I have two children. I went to look for one of them, and by the time I returned, everything was burnt into ashes,” she said.
She noted that she could not tell what caused the fire and expressed worry over outstanding loans she had taken to support her business.
“We took loans to run our businesses. Now everything is gone, and we don’t know what to do. We slept inside containers around the police station. Government officials have been around, but nobody has told us anything yet,” she added.
She appealed to the government for urgent support.
“We’re frustrated because our places of abode, clothes, and livelihoods are all gone. We’re begging the government to have mercy on us and help us.”
Government and political response
A representative of the Kokomlemle East Electoral Area, Stephen Asante, said the National Disaster Management Organization and relevant authorities are on the ground gathering data on affected persons.
“As of yesterday, we were able to manage the situation, and NADMO came in this morning. They have gathered the details of those affected, including names, Ghana Cards, and phone numbers,” he explained.
Mr. Asante assured victims that discussions were ongoing to rebuild the area and resettle the traders.
“The municipal assembly, together with the MP, will sit down to see how best to rearrange the place, rebuild it, and bring the people back. We are assuring them that they are not going to lose the place,” he said.
He further disclosed that temporary arrangements have been made for the displaced residents.
“Those who sleep here as their main residence were given mattresses and taken to a place to sleep. We’re preparing another temporary place for them. Within two to three months, we should be able to put up something for them because they are Ghanaians, and it is our responsibility,” he added.
Fire Service response
Meanwhile, the Greater Accra Regional Fire Service Commander, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, is calling for improved infrastructure, especially fire hydrants, to support firefighting operations in the future.
Conclusion
The fire outbreak has had severe economic, social, and emotional impacts on victims, leaving many displaced and uncertain about the future.
While affected traders continue to appeal for urgent assistance, authorities say steps are being taken to rebuild the area and resettle victims.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved fire safety measures, effective emergency response systems, and public education to reduce the impact of disasters.
