A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in Tuobodom, a squatter community in Tema Community 12, destroying approximately 500 structures.

What started as smoke quickly escalated into a raging inferno, leaving hundreds of residents displaced.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), along with support from the police, Ambulance Service, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), worked tirelessly for over three hours to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Tema Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Patrick Sallah, told Joy News that nine fire appliances and nearly 80 personnel, including officers from the national level, were deployed to the scene.

“The distress call came in around 2:20 p.m., and within 6 minutes, the first fire appliance arrived. The wind was aiding the spread of the fire,” he stated.

He further explained, “We brought the fire under control within 90 minutes and completely extinguished it by 5:30 p.m. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but properties were destroyed.”

In a nearby garage, personnel were able to save 60 cars from the blaze. Commander Sallah also noted that the GNFS had previously educated the community on fire prevention measures.

“We have been here a couple of times to educate them on handling their waste when it comes to burning,” he added.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, with warnings against indiscriminate burning and the careless handling of LPG and other flammable materials.

Eyewitness Accounts

Joyce Essel, a hairdresser in the community, described her initial reaction to the fire. “I could smell something burning from my salon but couldn’t figure out where it was coming from.

"Then I heard an explosion, and within minutes, four kiosks were on fire. We called the fire service, but the fire spread too fast.”

Joyce, who lost all her belongings in the fire, expressed her devastation.

“At this point, I’ve lost everything. I may have to return to my family at Kasoa-Amanfrom. I came to Tema to make a life, but now I don’t know what to do.”

Grace Dogbe, an employee at Koreana Hotel, recounted her emotional experience. “We saw the smoke, but we had no idea our homes were on fire.

"My colleague had saved over GH¢5,000 for something important, but it was gone in minutes. Now, all we have is our lives and the clothes we’re wearing.”

Another resident, Redeemer Torzu, revealed that he lost GH¢12,000 in the blaze.

“I was on my way home from work when I saw a fire appliance heading in this direction. By the time I got here, it was too late. I’ve lost everything, including the cash I needed for some purchases. We need help.”

Calls for Support

The incident drew the attention of the Tema Central MP, Nii Noi Hanson-Nortey, who visited the scene and called for support for the affected residents.

“This is not an ordinary fire. I received a short video of the incident while on my way to Tema, but the reality on the ground is far worse.

"I’m appealing to churches and constituents to provide help during this critical time. I’m grateful to the GNFS and all other agencies involved, but my people need urgent support.”

NDC parliamentary hopeful, Ebi Bright, also offered assistance, announcing that temporary arrangements had been made to house the victims.

“We’ve arranged three locations nearby to accommodate those affected. We’re providing mattresses, soaps, and other essentials to ease their burden in the interim. The MP and I are working together to manage the situation.”

Though grateful that no lives were lost, she expressed concern over the loss of livelihoods for over a thousand people in the community.