A Wednesday, November 26, 2025, market fire at the Dansoman Market in Accra has burnt an 8-year-old girl to death after being trapped in the devastating inferno.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the fire was first reported at 00:02 hours, with the initial crew from the Dansoman Fire Station arriving just two minutes later.
The GNFS says they found the fire at an advanced stage, rapidly spreading in all directions.
They explain that they mobilised eight fire engines from Industrial Area, Ministries, National Headquarters, Madina, Weija, Anyaa, and Accra City to contain the inferno, with support by two private water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
The fire was confined by 01:51 hrs, brought under control at 03:03 hrs, and fully extinguished by 05:21 hrs after overhauling operations to eliminate hidden pockets of fire.
Fire officials say the 8-year-old girl was caught in one of the affected sections and could not be rescued. Her body was badly charred and has since been handed over to the Ghana Police for preservation and other investigation.
Several wooden structures and shops were destroyed by the fire, together with their contents.
But, the timely intervention of firefighters aided in securing adjacent structures from being burnt.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. The GNFS has called on the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution in market areas to prevent future tragedies.
