Fire outbreak at Accra Tourist Information Centre
3 min read
Early morning fire guts parts of Accra Tourist Information Centre; no casualties reported.
Fire Erupts at Accra Tourist Centre as Authorities Investigate Cause
A fire broke out in the early hours of Monday at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, a prominent cultural hub located opposite Afrikiko in the capital city. Emergency responders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) quickly arrived at the scene to contain the flames and assess the damage.
Flames Break Out Around 1:00 AM
The blaze reportedly began around 1:00 AM on August 4, catching many nearby residents and business operators off guard. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, although eyewitnesses suspect it may have started from the kitchen area of Rockz Waakye, a popular food vendor operating within the premises.
No Injuries or Fatalities Reported
Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities recorded during the incident. Fire crews managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread to adjacent facilities. Eyewitnesses described the fire as intense, but credited the swift response of GNFS personnel for preventing further damage to nearby structures.
Kitchen Area Believed to Be the Source
While the origin of the blaze remains under investigation, several witnesses believe the fire may have ignited from cooking equipment inside Rockz Waakye’s kitchen. The food vendor is widely known in the area and serves customers throughout the day and late into the night. Officials are working to determine if a malfunctioning appliance or negligence played a role.
Cultural and Tourist Landmark Damaged
The Accra Tourist Information Centre is a well-known landmark in the city, regularly hosting art exhibitions, cultural events, and information sessions for visitors to Ghana. The fire has raised concerns about safety standards at public venues, especially those that house commercial vendors on the same premises.
Separate Blaze at Madina Ritz Junction Displaces Dhe Accra fire, a separate blaze destroyed over 50 wooden structures and metal containers at Madina Ritz Junction. That incident left dozens of residents displaced and in urgent need of assistance. The fire reportedly began at a washing bay within a densely populated slum area, though the cause is also under investigation.
Madina Firefighters Prevent Further Spread
Personnel from the Madina Fire Station responded promptly and worked through the night to contain the fire. Their swift actions prevented the flames from engulfing more homes and businesses. Nonetheless, the damage was extensive, and residents have appealed for support as they begin to rebuild.
Investigations Underway into Both Incidents
The Ghana National Fire Service has launched full investigations into both fires to establish their origins and assess potential lapses in safety protocols. Officials have urged business owners to install and maintain proper fire safety equipment, especially in commercial areas where cooking or flammable materials are involved.
Public Urged to Prioritize Fire Safety
Authorities are calling on residents and business operators to be more vigilant and proactive in fire prevention. The GNFS stressed the importance of routine electrical checks, proper waste disposal, and fire extinguisher availability as key steps to reducing fire risks in both residential and public spaces.
Rising Fire Incidents Raise Concerns Across Accra
The twin incidents come amid a rising number of fire outbreaks reported in the Greater Accra Region. With many fires linked to electrical faults or cooking mishaps, officials are stepping up public education campaigns to raise awareness and improve emergency preparedness among the population.
About The Author
