A fire outbreak swept through parts of Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra early Monday, January 20, 2026, destroying stalls and belongings behind the VVIP Station and raising renewed concerns about safety practices at one of the capital’s busiest commercial hubs.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon Linda Ocloo, visited the scene to assess the damage and engage affected traders. She said the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, pending investigations and a formal report from the Ghana National Fire Service.
“Our fear was not realised immediately, but we asked the relevant agencies to take the lead and assess the situation,” Hon Ocloo told reporters. “We are still waiting for feedback from the Fire Service to determine what caused the outbreak.”
Hon Ocloo said officials had raised safety concerns at the site prior to the incident, citing intense commercial and social activities in the area. According to her, a chop bar, drinking spots and makeshift sleeping areas were operating at the location, with more than 50 gas cylinders observed during an inspection the previous day.
“We have consistently advised traders to take precautions,” she said. “We cannot stop them from cooking, but after cooking, gas must be switched off and cylinders secured to ensure safety.”
Firefighters reportedly faced challenges accessing the area due to congestion and debris, delaying efforts to contain the blaze. Ocloo said pockets of fire were detected later on Sunday night, prompting another emergency response.
On Tuesday, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly began clearing debris from the site as part of immediate recovery efforts.
Several traders suffered significant losses, including cash and goods stored in containers. Ocloo recounted meeting an elderly woman who said she had GH¢6,000 stored in her container but was only able to retrieve less than half after the fire.
“These incidents at our market centres are becoming unacceptable,” the minister said, urging traders to adhere strictly to safety measures. She cautioned that while government would provide support to affected victims, losses accumulated over years of investment could not be fully recovered.
“Government is ready to help, no matter the situation,” Ocloo added. “But prevention is critical. We must not wait for disasters before acting.”
The Fire Service is expected to release its findings in the coming days as authorities review safety conditions at the Circle and similar commercial areas across Accra.