The Ghana National Fire Service has reported a concerning trend in fire-related incidents in the first half of 2025.
- According to their data, fire-related deaths surged by 33% with 16 lives lost between January and June 2025, compared to 12 deaths in the same period in 2024. Additionally, injuries nearly tripled, with 110 people hurt in the same period, up from 30 injuries in the first half of 2024.
The total number of fire outbreaks recorded was 3,595, marking a slight increase of 0.53% compared to the 3,576 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. This rise has been attributed to various factors, including:
Electrical Faults: Faulty wiring, substandard electrical cables, and overloaded circuits
Gas Cylinder Leakages: Improper handling and storage of gas cylinders
Unattended Cooking: Leaving cooking unattended, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves
Careless Use of Naked Flames: Improper use of candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches
Bushfires: Indiscriminate bush burning, particularly during the dry season
The Ghana National Fire Service has emphasized the need for enhanced fire safety awareness and preventative measures across the country. In response to the trend, they plan to:
Intensify Public Fire Safety Education: Focus on basic fire safety tips, proper handling of electrical appliances, and importance of having fire extinguishers
Conduct Routine Inspections: Regular checks on public, domestic, and commercial buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations
– *Train Community Fire Volunteers*: Equip volunteers with skills to respond to fire emergencies
The service has also reported that despite the rise in fire incidents, their efforts have led to significant property savings, with over GHC 203 million worth of property salvaged in the first half of 2025.
The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases.
