A fire outbreak at Odawna, opposite the Adabraka Market in Accra, has destroyed several structures after burning for nearly an hour as severe flooding hampered access for emergency responders.
The blaze erupted on the morning of Monday, June 29, while torrential rains continued to batter the capital, leaving homes, roads and surrounding communities submerged. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily, Assembly Member for the area, Hendrick Noble Kinnkah, said firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the scene because floodwaters had cut off access to the affected community.
"Access to the area is a problem because the place is filled with water. However, they have been able to reach the area, and we are hoping that they will quench the fire. A lot of people are stuck in the water," he said.
The delayed emergency response heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom were forced to flee as flames spread rapidly through the flooded neighbourhood.
With buildings engulfed by the fire and floodwaters continuing to rise, residents appealed for immediate intervention, warning that the dual disaster posed a serious threat to lives and property.
The incident occurred as heavy rains, which began late Sunday and continued into Monday morning, triggered widespread flooding across several parts of the Greater Accra Region.
Heavy Rains Disrupt Traffic Across Accra
The persistent downpour inundated major roads, disrupted the morning commute and left many motorists stranded. In several areas, drivers abandoned their vehicles, while others cautiously navigated flooded roads.
Among the worst-hit locations were sections of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa towards Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa Highway, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic Junction in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction and parts of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange.
As emergency officials worked to respond to the unfolding situation, residents urged authorities to intensify rescue operations and improve disaster response mechanisms to prevent further loss of lives and property as the rains persist.
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