The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has renewed its call on municipal and district assemblies to prioritize accessibility in market centers across Accra, following a destructive fire outbreak at the Madina Market in the early hours of Friday, September 19, 2025.
According to eyewitness reports, the blaze ignited around 1:00 a.m. Firefighters responded swiftly with four fire tenders but were hampered by poor accessibility within the market area, delaying efforts to contain the flames.
After a prolonged struggle, the GNFS managed to bring the fire under control, salvaging a one-storey warehouse and nearby structures. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Speaking to 3news, Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO I Rashid Nisawu, expressed deep concern about the recurring challenge of inadequate access routes in market centers, which significantly hampers firefighting efforts and increases the extent of destruction during outbreaks.
“Limited space for fire tenders to maneuver poses a serious risk whenever these disasters occur,” he noted, urging local assemblies to re-engineer market spaces and provide proper access routes to allow faster response times.
Some affected traders echoed the commander’s concerns, lamenting the devastating impact of repeated market fires on their businesses and livelihoods. They emphasized that inaccessible market layouts not only worsen the destruction but also undermine their sense of safety.
The Madina Market fire is the fourth major fire incident in Accra within just one week, raising fresh concerns about fire safety in Ghana’s trading hubs. The GNFS has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property but stressed that preventive measures, particularly structural redesigns of congested market areas, are vital to reducing risks.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive review of urban planning in Accra’s markets to protect traders, preserve livelihoods, and prevent future disasters.
