A devastating fire has swept through parts of Makola Market in Accra, destroying several shops and merchandise worth tens of thousands of cedis and leaving traders counting their losses.
The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday June 3, 2026, quickly engulfed sections of the bustling commercial hub, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air and causing panic among traders, shoppers, and pedestrians in the area. Eyewitnesses said many people rushed to salvage their belongings while others fled the scene as the flames intensified.
Property, including clothing, household items, food products, and other merchandise belonging to traders, was destroyed in the inferno. Although the full extent of the damage has not yet been established, affected traders fear the losses could run into hundreds of thousands of cedis, given the volume of goods stored in the affected shops.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to the emergency and were deployed to the scene to battle the raging flames. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining shops and structures within the densely populated market.
The incident drew large crowds of onlookers, with many traders anxiously watching as firefighters struggled to bring the situation under control. Some victims were seen attempting to rescue goods from their shops, while others stood helplessly as years of investment were reduced to ashes.
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the fire. Officials are expected to begin investigations once the flames are fully extinguished and the area is declared safe.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about fire safety in major markets across the country, particularly during busy trading periods when large quantities of goods are stored in close proximity. Traders and market users are calling for improved safety measures to help prevent similar disasters in the future.
Further updates are expected as emergency responders continue their operations and authorities assess the scale of the destruction.
