An eight-year-old girl lost her life in a fire that swept through Dansoman Market in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving the community in shock. Paramedics confirmed that the child had been burnt beyond recognition at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze began around 10:30 p.m., rapidly engulfing wooden structures and containers stocked with food, clothing, and household items. Residents and traders attempted to douse the flames with buckets of water before the arrival of firefighters.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the girl had been sleeping inside a wooden structure while her mother, a trader, was away. Firefighters found her unresponsive despite rescue efforts.
Regional Fire Officer ACFO Rashid Kwame Nisawu stated that GNFS received an emergency call at 12:02 a.m. A fire engine from Dansoman Fire Station arrived within two minutes, but the fire had already escalated, necessitating additional support. Eight fire engines in total were deployed, and crews worked to contain the blaze from all sides, dividing the operation into four sectors.
Preliminary investigations point to a possible electrical fault as the cause, although authorities are conducting a full inquiry to determine the exact source. Several market stalls were destroyed, leaving traders with significant losses.
The aftermath on Wednesday morning was heart-wrenching. Market women described the young girl as lively and well-loved, while her mother, overcome with grief, was taken to a nearby clinic.
Authorities have reminded traders to adhere strictly to fire safety measures and promptly report faulty electrical connections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
