Mercy360 Blog of Thursday, 11 September 2025
Source: Mercy Mensah

A serious fire broke out at a warehouse in Laterbiokoshie, near Radio Gold in Accra, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) quickly responded to the incident, dispatching seven fire tenders to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. The fire destroyed a warehouse stocked with leather goods and footwear, and a shed in front of the building, but adjoining structures were successfully protected.
The GNFS Public Relations Officer, Alex King Nartey, shared video footage of the incident on Facebook, highlighting the severity of the situation. According to Divisional Officer II Desmond Ackah, the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and the stockpiling of flammable materials in the warehouse. The GNFS arrived at the scene in barely nine minutes, but the fire had already gotten out of hand.
Two firefighters and one civilian sustained injuries during the incident, but fortunately, all are reported to be in stable condition. A parked vehicle was also destroyed in the blaze. The GNFS has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause and whether the facility had been properly certified by the Fire Service.

The misuse of residential properties as warehouses has raised concerns about safety regulations. The GNFS has criticized this practice, citing poor housekeeping as a major contributor to the disaster. The Service has assured residents that it will complete investigations and push for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents.
This recent fire outbreak highlights the recurring risks posed by inadequate hydrant systems in Accra's densely populated zones. The GNFS has faced challenges in fighting fires in such areas, where combustible materials and poor spatial planning exacerbate the threat of urban fires. In a similar incident in June 2025, a fire destroyed over 50 wooden structures near the National Lotteries office, opposite the Arts Centre in Accra.
The GNFS continues to emphasize the importance of safety measures and proper certification for warehouses and commercial facilities. As investigations into the Laterbiokoshie fire continue, the Service is working to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that safety regulations are strictly enforced .