The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the fire which razed several commercial shops selling assorted drinks at Achimota Abofu, near the Shell Fueling Station, on Sunday, November 9, was caused by unattended cooking.
According to the Service, three fire tenders from the Anyaa, National Headquarters, and Legon Fire Stations were deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control.
Speaking to the media, the Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO Rashid Kwame Nisawu, said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire resulted from negligence.
“The fire started from one of the containers, and it’s a straightforward case someone left soup on fire and went to church. I wouldn’t want to mention the person’s name for security reasons,” he explained.
ACFO Nisawu cautioned traders against cooking in markets and shops, stressing that the practice significantly heightens the risk of fire outbreaks.
“We have repeatedly advised that cooking should not be done in shops and market areas, but some traders continue to ignore the warnings, and this is the unfortunate result,” he lamented.
He further pointed out challenges with accessibility to the commercial areas, noting that poor compliance with fire safety regulations, including the provision of hydrants, continues to hinder firefighting efforts.
He urged facility owners and market managers to adhere strictly to fire safety standards to prevent future incidents.
