8-year-old girl dies in Dansoman market fire

An eight-year-old girl has died after a fire swept through the Dansoman Market in the early hours of Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the blaze was reported at 12:02 a.m., with the first crew from the Dansoman Fire Station arriving two minutes later. Firefighters found the flames already well advanced and spreading rapidly.

To contain the inferno, eight fire engines from Industrial Area, Ministries, National Headquarters, Madina, Weija, Anyaa and Accra City were deployed, supported by two private water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

According to the GNFS, the fire was confined at 1:51 a.m., brought under control at 3:03 a.m. and fully extinguished by 5:21 a.m. after overhauling operations to douse hidden hotspots. The young victim was trapped in one of the affected sections and could not be rescued. Her charred remains have been handed over to the police for preservation and further investigation.

The blaze destroyed several wooden structures and shops along with their contents, though firefighters managed to save adjoining buildings and prevent wider damage.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are ongoing. The GNFS has urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution in market areas to prevent similar tragedies.