The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says it rescued 479 people during a series of emergency operations carried out over three days as heavy rainfall, fire outbreaks and a building collapse affected parts of Accra, Tema and nearby communities.
In a statement, the Service said firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed continuously between Sunday, June 28, and Tuesday, June 30, to respond to numerous emergencies, including floods, fires, rescue missions and a structural collapse.
Working alongside other emergency agencies, the GNFS helped evacuate hundreds of residents trapped by floodwaters and other dangerous situations. Despite the successful rescue efforts, five people lost their lives, one person suffered injuries and another individual remains unaccounted for.
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The first incidents occurred on Sunday, June 28, when firefighters successfully extinguished two separate fires in Accra without recording any casualties.
One of the fires broke out at Lartebiokorshie, where personnel from the Industrial Area Fire Station responded to a distress call at about 8:31 a.m. The blaze was brought under control within 25 minutes before being completely extinguished by 9:29 a.m.
Although one room and its contents were destroyed, firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to an adjoining hall and another room.
Later that day, crews from the Trade Fair Fire Station responded to a commercial fire at Labadi Kojo Sardine after receiving an emergency call at 12:49 p.m. The fire was contained by 1:17 p.m., with only part of a metal container and its contents affected. Initial investigations indicate that an overcharged solar battery may have triggered the blaze.
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Firefighters also battled a fuel tanker fire at Asutuare Junction, where four fire tenders were deployed to contain the inferno. The fire was brought under control shortly after 6:00 a.m. before being completely extinguished.
The tanker and its cargo were destroyed in the incident. One person sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, while another person died. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Following Monday’s heavy downpour, which caused severe flooding across sections of Greater Accra and Tema, the GNFS expanded its rescue operations with support from other security and emergency agencies.
At Tse-Ado Last Stop, a joint team comprising the GNFS, the Ghana Police Service Marine Unit, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Armed Forces rescued 105 people trapped by rising floodwaters. Those rescued included 40 women, 20 men and 45 children, all of whom were safely evacuated.
In the Tema Region, firefighters dealt with 23 emergency incidents within a 24-hour period. These included six fire outbreaks, eight flood-related emergencies and seven cases involving fallen trees.
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Rescue teams also saved 12 people stranded by floodwaters and assisted more than 50 residents to safer locations in Tema Newtown.
However, the Service reported that a female trader was swept away by floodwaters near the Tema Community One Market and remains missing.
Elsewhere in Accra, firefighters responded to a building collapse at Tabora No. 6 involving a four-storey structure. Fortunately, all 12 occupants had vacated the building before it collapsed, and no injuries or deaths were recorded.
Rescue efforts continued into the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, particularly along the Adabraka-Odawna corridor, which was among the worst-affected areas following the flooding.
According to the GNFS, more than 300 people were rescued from floodwaters during the operation.
Despite these efforts, four people—three men and one woman—lost their lives as a result of the flooding.
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Firefighters also responded to a major blaze at the Odawna Rubber Market near Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Although several structures were damaged, crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.
The GNFS confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded in the market fire. As a precautionary measure, a fire engine has been stationed at the site to monitor the area and respond quickly should the fire reignite.
The Service has urged the public to remain vigilant during the rainy season, follow safety advice issued by emergency agencies and avoid entering floodwaters, as changing weather conditions continue to increase the risk of flooding and related emergencies.