Fire guts parts of Makola Market as traders lose goods worth thousands of cedis
Panic broke out at Makola Market in central Accra on Wednesday after a fierce fire tore through sections of the busy trading hub, destroying shops and goods worth tens of thousands of cedis. The blaze started on Wednesday and spread fast through parts of the market, sending thick clouds of smoke into the sky. Traders and shoppers scampered for safety as flames jumped from one store to another, consuming merchandise and other valuables in minutes.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fire caught many traders off guard. Within minutes, entire shops stocked with fabrics, cosmetics, electronics, and food items were reduced to ashes. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, GNFS, rushed to the scene and are currently fighting to bring the flames under control. Firefighters are focusing efforts on stopping the fire from spreading to adjoining shops and nearby structures in the congested market area.
Makola is one of Accra’s oldest and busiest markets, with narrow lanes and closely packed wooden and metal structures. That layout causes fires to spread quickly and makes it difficult for fire tenders to reach the heart of the blaze.GNFS officials say cooling operations will continue even after the main flames are doused to prevent a resurgence. Investigations into what triggered the fire are expected to begin once the area is safe.
For many traders, Wednesday’s fire means years of investment wiped out in hours. Makola Market serves as a wholesale and retail center for goods distributed across Accra and beyond. Items lost include imported fabrics, household goods, mobile phone accessories, and foodstuffs. Some traders were seen sifting through the debris, trying to salvage anything left. Others stood helplessly as smoke continued to rise from their burnt shops. Many of them operate without insurance, meaning recovery from losses like this is usually slow and difficult.
Market fires are a recurring problem in Accra. Over the years, sections of Makola, Kantamanto, and other commercial areas have been gutted by similar blazes, often blamed on electrical faults, unattended cooking fires, and poor waste management. Traders have repeatedly called for better fire safety measures, wider access roads, and functioning hydrants inside markets.
The fire forced the temporary closure of affected sections of Makola, disrupting business for hundreds of traders and buyers. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the market was also affected as emergency vehicles moved in.
Authorities have not yet released an official estimate of the financial loss. GNFS has urged market users to observe fire safety precautions, especially as dry conditions and increased trading activity raise the risk of outbreaks.
The situation at Makola Market remains under control as firefighters continue their work. Updates will follow once GNFS completes its assessment.
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