Infant Dies as GNFS Battles Blaze in Accra
A devastating fire erupted at Madina Ritz Junction, La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, Accra, on July 15, 2025, killing a two-month-old baby and destroying multiple wooden structures and shops. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed three fire engines from Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations, successfully containing the blaze by 9:53 p.m., as reported by GhanaWeb and GNFS’s official Facebook post.
Eyewitnesses reported a gas explosion in a shop as the fire’s origin, rapidly spreading through densely packed wooden kiosks and makeshift homes due to their flammable nature. The GNFS faced challenges accessing the site, with vehicles parked meters away due to limited access, per GHOne TV. Despite a swift response, properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis were lost, with residents attempting to salvage belongings amid chaotic scenes.
The fire, starting around 7:00 p.m., prompted a distress call at 7:32 p.m., with firefighters arriving within minutes. The GNFS’s efforts prevented further spread, salvaging nearby structures, though the infant’s death marked a tragic loss. No other casualties were reported, and the cause remains under investigation, with suspicions pointing to the gas explosion, per CitiNewsroom.
This marks the third major fire at Madina Ritz Junction since 2023, following incidents on February 1 and May 30, 2023, which destroyed over 100 structures. The area’s history of fires, with nine reported in three years, underscores vulnerabilities in densely packed slums, as noted by Ghanaian Times. Calls for stricter building regulations and fire safety measures have intensified.
Residents, displaced and devastated, face rebuilding challenges. The GNFS urged the public to avoid the area during operations and promised a thorough investigation. Community leaders and affected individuals are appealing for government support to address losses and prevent future tragedies in this fire-prone area.