A fierce fire has swept through parts of the Mallam Atta Market in Accra New Town.

The incident occurred around midnight, sending residents and traders into panic as thick smoke rose from the congested trading area.

Three fire tenders from the National Headquarters, Flagstaff House, and Circle Fire Stations were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters battled the blaze through the night as traders and onlookers gathered helplessly around the burning stalls.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but eyewitnesses say it spread rapidly, destroying wooden structures and goods worth thousands of cedis.

Fire officers say access to the scene was difficult due to the narrow alleys and the density of stalls, which slowed efforts to control the flames.

As of early Thursday morning, personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service were still working to fully extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby shops and residential areas.

There are no reports yet of casualties, but several traders have reportedly lost all their wares.

Police have cordoned off the affected area while investigations continue into the cause of the midnight blaze.