The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has donated GH¢80,000 to assist traders affected by the devastating fire that swept through parts of Tudu on Wednesday night, destroying shops, goods, and personal belongings.
So far, 105 traders have been registered as victims of the blaze, which left many counting heavy losses and uncertain about how to rebuild their livelihoods.
Presenting the donation during a visit to the scene on Thursday, June 4, AMA Chief Executive Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the support was intended to help victims replace essential items lost in the fire. “We know most of you have items destroyed, including your clothes, food and other essentials, so in the interim, we are supporting you with GH¢80,000 to get all the necessary items you will need,” he said.
Mr. Allotey disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Greater Accra Regional Minister to explore further assistance. He assured victims that the assembly would continue engaging stakeholders to mobilise support and facilitate recovery efforts.
When officials visited the area after the fire was extinguished, burnt wooden structures and piles of debris littered the site. Traders searched through the rubble in hopes of salvaging items, while many expressed concern about restarting their businesses after losing goods worth thousands of cedis.
The fire also caused significant damage to the Accra Central Police Barracks Annex, destroying 32 rooms and their contents. A one-storey building nearby was also affected.
Mr. Allotey used the occasion to renew calls for the redevelopment of ageing market infrastructure in Accra, arguing that many structures have outlived their usefulness and pose safety risks. “This is why we want to demolish all the old markets and build new ones. Anytime we want to bring development, our people protest and lament. How can we build the country with such an attitude?” he asked.
He revealed plans to engage the Regional Police Commander to clear the affected area and facilitate redevelopment initiatives.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) commended firefighters for their swift response. According to a statement signed by GNFS PRO Desmond Ackah, the Service received a distress call at 8:05 p.m. on Wednesday.
The first crew from the Accra City Fire Station arrived within two minutes to find the fire fully developed. Reinforcements from Ministries, Parliament, Industrial Area, and Circle fire stations, supported by an AMA water tanker, joined the operation.
The blaze was confined at 10:29 p.m., brought under control at 11:50 p.m., and fully extinguished at 3:41 a.m. on Thursday. One firefighter sustained critical injuries during the operation and is currently in stable condition at the Police Hospital.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The incident has reignited concerns about fire safety, market infrastructure, and disaster preparedness in Accra’s busiest commercial centres.
