GNFS Saves GH¢479m in Property Amidst Multiple Blazes at Kejetia Market, Accra, and Berekum

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported a significant improvement in fire safety outcomes for the first quarter of 2026, even as firefighters continue to battle high-profile blazes across the country. According to latest figures, the service recorded a 10.02% decline in fire incidents and a substantial 53.5% drop in fatalities compared to previous periods. Most notably, the value of salvaged properties surged by over 217%, with firefighters saving an estimated GH¢479,457,385.00 in assets. These statistics highlight a dual reality of increased operational efficiency and a persistent threat to commercial hubs and industrial zones.

In Kumasi, the New Kejetia Market was recently struck by its fifth fire of the year, originating from a match shop on the first floor. Firefighters, led by Station Officer I Maxwell Partey, managed to contain the blaze within minutes, preventing it from consuming dozens of adjacent shops. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by the spontaneous ignition of flammable materials in a poorly ventilated area. Similarly, in the Bono Region, the Berekum Cinema Hall was severely damaged by a fire that destroyed thousands of cedis worth of property and documents. The prompt arrival of the GNFS was credited with saving a nearby local bank and other adjacent structures from the inferno.

Industrial safety remains a critical concern, as evidenced by a major outbreak at a warehouse in Accra’s South Industrial Area. The facility, owned by the Believe in God Company, suffered extensive damage to its upper floor, which housed plastic disposable products. Despite the intensity of the flames, the GNFS successfully cordoned off the area to save the building's ground floor and neighboring warehouses. In a separate, cautionary incident at a Goil fuel station, CCTV footage captured the moment a motor rider’s mobile phone use during refueling triggered a flash fire. While no injuries were reported in these specific cases, officials say they serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring safety protocols.

Despite the positive trend in reduced fatalities and successful property salvage, the GNFS has raised alarms regarding a rise in domestic fires and road traffic accidents. The service is now intensifying its public education campaigns to address human-induced risks, such as the use of mobile phones at fuel pumps and poor ventilation in storage areas. As investigations continue into the recent market and warehouse outbreaks, fire authorities are calling for a renewed commitment to safety measures from both traders and the general public to maintain the downward trend in fire-related tragedies.