Scene from the fire outbreak at the Madina Market
The first month of 2026 has seen what appears to be an unprecedented number of fire outbreaks, with at least one major incident reported somewhere in the country almost daily.
A worrying trend is that many of these fires have occurred in markets, causing the loss of livelihoods for hundreds of Ghanaians and destroying goods and property worth substantial sums of money.
A similar pattern was observed in January 2025, when several markets across the country were razed by fire.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has attributed the outbreaks to poor adherence to safety precautions at these markets. However, the frequency and scale of these incidents suggest that urgent measures must be taken to prevent further losses.
Fire breaks out at Madina Market in Accra
Here are some of the market fire outbreaks that have been recorded so far in January 2026
Circle phone shops fire outbreak
On January 2, 2026, several shops at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, one of the busiest areas in Accra, caught fire.
Reports and videos shared on social media showed firefighters from the GNFS arriving at the scene and working to bring the blaze under control. Thick clouds of smoke were seen billowing from the buildings, while scores of people, including Ghana Police Service personnel, were present at the scene.
Kasoa New Market fire
On the night of Sunday, January 4, 2026, a devastating fire broke out at Kasoa New Market, destroying several shops.
Viral videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising from shops, with some completely burnt, including roofs, entrances, and contents. At the time the videos were taken, no GNFS personnel or other security agents were present. People, possibly shop owners, were seen lamenting their losses, while others sifted through salvaged items.
Circle VVIP Station fire
About 18 days after the first Circle fire, another outbreak occurred on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, behind the VVIP Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly through densely packed wooden structures before GNFS personnel arrived. Fire tenders were deployed, and firefighters managed to bring most of the blaze under control. No casualties were reported, though the full extent of property damage is yet to be assessed.
In an interview with JoyNews, Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander ACFO II Rashid Kwame Nisawu said, “We are told it started from a kiosk. We are yet to investigate the exact cause, but there are signs that domestic activity may have contributed. These are things we cannot rule out.”
Over 100 vehicles destroyed in Sofoline fire
Madina Market fire
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, part of Madina Market in Accra was engulfed in flames around mid-morning.
The blaze gutted several shops and properties, spreading quickly through densely packed wooden structures before firefighters from Madina and Legon stations arrived. The GNFS confirmed that crews were working to extinguish the fire.
“A fire outbreak is currently being battled at the Madina Market,” the service stated on social media.
Fire breaks out at Madina Market in Accra
Sofoline fire Outbreak
The latest major fire occurred at Sofoline in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region on Sunday, January 25, 2026, destroying more than 100 vehicles at several mechanic shops.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started around 7:00 p.m., possibly due to refuse being burned near the shops. The flames spread quickly because of tyres, rubber materials, upholstery items, and various car spare parts.
Shop owners and workers were left devastated, as their tools and main sources of livelihood were reduced to ashes. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control, although the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed.
BAI/MA
