The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the fire outbreak at Achimota Abofu in Accra on Thursday, November 6, was caused by negligence after someone reportedly left soup boiling on fire and went to church.
According to the Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO Rashid Kwame Nisawu, the incident started in a metal container that was being used for cooking and quickly spread to nearby shops selling assorted drinks and other goods.
“This is a very straightforward story. Someone was cooking, left the soup on fire, and went to church. By the time they returned, the place was in flames,” ACFO Nisawu said.
Fire officers from the Anyaa, Legon, and National Headquarters stations responded swiftly to contain the blaze, which had threatened to spread to adjoining structures, including a fuel station nearby.
While no casualties were reported, several properties were destroyed before the fire was fully brought under control.
The GNFS has since cautioned the public against unsafe cooking practices, especially in business areas, and urged market operators and property owners to adhere to fire safety regulations.
ACFO Nisawu also noted that poor planning and the congested layout of some commercial areas make firefighting operations difficult, calling for greater enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar incidents.
