Makola Fire: Burnt structures become death traps

A fire incident in Makola Zongo Lane which began on Sunday September 1, 2024, has left the buildings involved in a deplorable state.

The main building that was the source of the fire collapsed on September 4, 2024, and currently stands as a death trap to residents and traders in that area.

The collapse of the building has raised concerns for the other shops and buildings nearby as it is located in the middle of the market.

As of September 10, 2024, when GhanaWeb Business visited the scene, the fire had been completely doused but the structures that were affected lay in ruins.

Residents said that upon the assessment conducted by the Ghana National Fire Service, it has been established that the building would have to be demolished.

The Public Relations Officer of the service, DO3 Desmond Ackah, said they have not yet determined the time this would be done since there are some procedures they have to embark on first.

A trader whose items were completely destroyed by the fire said they have lost millions of Ghana cedis and have not been able to retrieve anything valuable from the fire.

They also bemoaned the activities of thieves who are invading the site to steal items.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, accompanied by security officials, visited the scene on September 3, 2024.

According to the minister, the fire was caused by the negligence of the traders in the area.

He also stated that the government would not be providing compensation to the victims affected by the disaster.

Meanwhile, the National Acting Director of Operations, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade 2 Kofi Forson, has assured that the situation has been brought under control.

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