A massive fire that broke out in the North Industrial Area of Accra, Ghana, has been completely doused by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) after a 12-hour battle. The fire destroyed a vast stretch of land, approximately the size of a football field, razing many wooden structures and portions of two warehouses to the ground. The inferno left behind a trail of debris, corrugated iron sheets, pieces of wood, and personal effects of squatters who had occupied parts of the field.
The fire, which started from a nearby slum, had a devastating impact on businesses in the area. Hundreds of people, including artisans and transport operators, were seen counting their losses, with many expressing concerns about their livelihoods. They appealed to the government to intervene and provide support to help them recover from their losses. The affected individuals also requested that authorities assess the extent of damage to their businesses and goods, and consider measures to support those whose property had been affected.
Duraplast Limited, one of the companies affected by the fire, has begun assessing the extent of the damage caused by the inferno. According to Bismack Tsatsu, the company's Systems Manager responsible for Health, Safety and Environment (SHE), the fire destroyed the company's entire stock of finished products that were on the floor at the time of the incident. However, the company's main factory, including its machinery and other critical equipment, was saved from the fire through the combined efforts of the GNFS, the company's internal fire team, and other state agencies.
The GNFS received reports of the fire around 6:40 a.m. and responded quickly, with two fire tenders arriving on the scene by 7:20 a.m. Despite their efforts, the fire had already entered the company's yard, fueled by the presence of chemical-based components, raw materials, and finished products. The company's SHE and Systems Manager expressed appreciation to the GNFS, Police Service, NADMO, National Ambulance Service, national security personnel, and other agencies for their response to the incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a nearby slum where people had been residing. It is believed that a gas cylinder exploded while someone was cooking, sparking the fire. The exact financial cost of the damage is yet to be determined, but the destruction of the company's stock represents a significant loss. Duraplast Limited is hopeful of restoring production and restocking its facility, with plans to resume full operations by Monday.
Despite the destruction, no Duraplast employee was injured during the incident, although some firefighters sustained minor injuries and were treated by the National Ambulance Service. The company's Systems Manager called on the authorities to prevent the re-emergence of the nearby slum, citing the proximity to the industrial facility as a serious safety concern. Duraplast had previously raised concerns about the settlement and urged the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and security agencies to ensure that the area remained secure.
The aftermath of the fire has left many traders and artisans facing an uncertain future. With their businesses, equipment, and goods destroyed, they are appealing for government intervention to help them recover. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations in the North Industrial Area, with many calling for stricter controls to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- The fire that ravaged parts of two warehouses and wooden structures in Accra's North Industrial Area has been extinguished, leaving traders and artisans counting their losses.
- The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations in the North Industrial Area.
- Duraplast Limited has begun assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire and plans to resume full operations by Monday.
