Ghana lost an estimated GH₵188.4 million to fire outbreaks in the first six months of 2025, a staggering increase from the GH₵60.4 million lost during the same period in 2024.
The losses, recorded from a total of 3,595 fire incidents, represent a sharp rise in both the financial cost and the frequency of fire disasters across the country, raising serious concerns about public safety, fire prevention, and the enforcement of basic safety protocols.
The figures were disclosed by Divisional Officer Two (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, Head of Public Relations of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
While the financial loss has more than tripled, there was also a significant improvement in the value of properties salvaged from the fire scenes.
The GNFS estimated the cost of salvaged properties at over GH₵203 million in 2025, up from GH₵71.8 million — precisely GH₵71,893,345 — saved during the first half of 2024.
According to DO II Ackah, the GNFS responded to 3,595 fire incidents between January and June 2025.
Of these, 2,537 fires were extinguished by GNFS personnel, while 1,057 had already been put out by the time fire officers arrived. This marks a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024, when the GNFS recorded 3,576 fire cases.
That year, 2,493 fires were extinguished by fire officers, while 1,083 had been doused by bystanders or victims before the arrival of the Service.
DO II Ackah said the Service continues to face difficulties with delayed emergency calls, traffic congestion, and accessibility issues, all of which affect timely response to fires.
He praised the vigilance of communities and volunteers who managed to extinguish over 1,000 fires in 2025 before fire crews arrived.
Road crashes also spike: 223 dead, 1,262 injured
In addition to the surge in fires, the GNFS also responded to 327 road traffic crashes in the first half of 2025, a noticeable increase from the 285 accidents recorded in the same period last year.
These crashes claimed 223 lives and left 1,262 others injured.
By comparison, in the first six months of 2024, road traffic crashes responded to by the GNFS led to 128 deaths and 1,095 injuries.
DO II Ackah described this year’s toll as alarming and said the trend points to a broader national emergency that requires a coordinated response involving the Fire Service, Police, National Road Safety Authority, and municipal authorities.
Electrical faults, gas leaks, and human negligence
DO II Ackah attributed the majority of this year’s 3,595 fire outbreaks to long-standing but preventable hazards. He cited illegal electrical connections and short circuits as among the most frequent causes of fires.
These are often compounded by overloaded electrical systems, faulty wiring, and the use of damaged or substandard appliances.
He further noted that many household fires stemmed from the improper use of electrical devices, such as plugging too many appliances into a single socket, leaving gadgets unattended, or using frayed extension cords.
In kitchens, unattended cooking involving gas cylinders and electric stoves remained a persistent danger, while careless use of candles, mosquito coils, and other open flames continued to spark fires in residential areas.
The Fire Service also recorded several incidents related to gas leakages, improper handling of LPG cylinders, bushfires, vehicle fires following road crashes, sparks from welding and metalwork, and acts of arson.
“Most of these fires could have been avoided if the right precautions had been taken,” DO II Ackah stated.
“We continue to stress that fire safety begins with personal responsibility at home and in the workplace.”
Harsh Harmattan and lax safety culture
Although the year-on-year increase in fire incidents — from 3,576 in 2024 to 3,595 in 2025 — was relatively modest, DO II Ackah explained that environmental conditions played a major role in the upward trend.
The early part of the year was marked by harsh harmattan weather, which created tinder-dry conditions and made it easier for even small fires to escalate quickly.
Compounding this, he said, was a general lack of adherence to basic fire safety guidelines.
Many individuals and businesses continue to neglect simple measures such as switching off electrical appliances before leaving home, maintaining gas installations, and keeping fire extinguishers on site.
“Unfortunately, non-compliance with safety protocols remains widespread. Many incidents could be prevented through simple precautions, especially during periods of extreme weather,” he said.
GNFS calls for stronger preventive measures
As the country enters the second half of the year, the Ghana National Fire Service is urging the public to adopt a proactive approach to fire and accident prevention.
DO II Ackah appealed to community leaders, landlords, commercial property managers, and drivers to take personal and institutional responsibility for safety, including the proper installation of electrical systems, timely maintenance of appliances, and routine fire drills.
He also called on Parliament, metropolitan assemblies, and the Ministry of Interior to support the Fire Service with more logistics, personnel, and public education campaigns.
“If we are to reverse these worrying trends, we need all stakeholders — from government to households — to work together. Fire disasters are not inevitable; they are preventable. But only if we act,” DO II Ackah concluded.
