Lapaz fire outbreak
Fire broke out in Lapaz, a bustling commercial city in Accra, on April 27, 2025. The blaze erupted around 2 p.m. and quickly engulfed several shops within a one-storey building. These shops sold a variety of items, including electronics, fabrics, and cosmetics.
Videos shared on social media captured the alarming scene, showing flames fiercely consuming at least two shops. Bystanders gathered, attempting to extinguish the fire, but their efforts were not enough to contain the spreading flames. At the time of reporting, there were no fire service personnel on the scene, raising concerns about the response to such emergencies.
This incident marks the seventh major market fire in Ghana since January, following similar outbreaks at various markets, including Kantamanto Market and Kejetia Market. These fires have caused millions of cedis in losses and displaced numerous traders, significantly impacting the local economy.
In light of these recurring incidents, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has stepped up its safety measures. They have implemented overnight patrols and increased inspections to prevent future tragedies. The cause of the latest fire in Lapaz remains undetermined, but the community is left grappling with the aftermath.
As the smoke clears, the residents and shop owners of Lapaz face an uncertain future. The need for improved fire safety protocols and quicker emergency responses has never been more critical. The community hopes for better protection to safeguard their livelihoods from such devastating events in the future.
