The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that late reporting, poor access routes, gas explosions, and illegal electrical connections hindered efforts to quickly contain the fire outbreak behind the VVIP Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.

The fire, which occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, destroyed more than 50 mobile phone shops, according to eyewitnesses and authorities.

Although firefighters responded promptly after receiving the alert and eventually brought the blaze under control, several challenges complicated the operation.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Friday, January 23, Head of Public Affairs of the GNFS, DOII Desmond Ackah, said limited accessibility to the affected area was one of the major setbacks.

“Firefighters were forced to lay long hose lines to reach the seat of the fire. This required high water pressure and led to significant water loss, making it difficult to contain the blaze swiftly,” he explained.

DOII Ackah noted that the presence of numerous gas cylinders and stoves in the shops further escalated the fire, as intermittent explosions spread combustible gases and intensified the flames.

He also identified illegal and haphazard electrical connections as a serious risk to firefighters, revealing that multiple shops were connected to single meters, creating electrocution hazards until power to the area was isolated.

According to him, the most critical challenge was the delayed call to the Fire Service, which allowed the fire to spread extensively before responders arrived.