Accra was thrown into chaos in the early hours of Saturday, September 13, 2025, when a massive inferno swept through the Accra Timber Market near Ayalolo School, destroying several shops and goods worth thousands of cedis.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received the distress call at 1:17 a.m. and dispatched its first firefighting crew to the scene just four minutes later.
In a full-scale response, seven fire engines were deployed from Accra City, Accra Regional Headquarters Substation, Ministries, Circle, National Headquarters, Abelemkpe, and Legon Fire Stations.
They were supported by a GNFS water tanker and two additional tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Ablekuma Municipal Assembly.
After hours of fierce firefighting, the GNFS managed to confine the flames at 6:26 a.m., brought it under control 11 minutes later, and finally extinguished the blaze completely at 11:44 a.m.
Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation—one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, with officials confirming that they are responding well to treatment.
Despite the widespread destruction of shops dealing in timber and hardware materials, adjoining structures, including the Ayalolo Cluster of Schools, were salvaged thanks to the swift intervention of the firefighters.
Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, led a high-powered team to the scene to provide operational support and assess the damage. She was accompanied by Deputy Director of Operations, ACFO II Osmond Anum, Greater Accra Regional Commander, ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu, and other senior officers who coordinated the containment efforts.
The GNFS has commended all supporting agencies for their “relentless efforts” in bringing the blaze under control. Meanwhile, investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the fire.
