Omanghana
Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have identified a rainfall-induced landslide as the cause of the devastating fire that swept through the Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbor in Sekondi on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The blaze, which burned for nearly four hours before firefighters brought it under control, destroyed fuel storage facilities and other property but fortunately resulted in no casualties.
Landslide Triggered Chain of Events
According to the GNFS, torrential rains in the area caused a section of the hilly terrain and surrounding vegetation near the harbor’s localized fuel farm to collapse. The resulting mudslide and debris reportedly knocked down an active electricity pole, causing it to fall onto premix fuel storage tanks.
The impact generated electrical sparks that ignited fuel vapors, triggering a rapidly spreading fire that engulfed the fuel storage area.
Fire officials said the combination of flammable materials and adverse weather conditions created a challenging environment for emergency responders.
Extensive Property Damage
The inferno caused significant destruction to infrastructure within the fishing harbor.
Among the assets destroyed were a localized premix fuel station, five surface fuel tanks, multiple fuel drums, two saloon vehicles, and three handcarts. The fire also inflicted heavy damage on sections of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) main administration block, including office spaces and ice storage facilities.
Authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the full financial cost of the damage.
Heavy Rains Complicated Firefighting Efforts
The Ghana National Fire Service noted that persistent rainfall further complicated efforts to contain the blaze.
Flooded gutters carried floating fuel toward a nearby tank farm, increasing the risk of the fire spreading to additional fuel installations. The movement of the fuel through runoff channels intensified the flames and required firefighters to implement specialized containment measures.
Despite these challenges, emergency crews successfully prevented the fire from reaching nearby fishing vessels, electrical infrastructure, and the harbor’s primary fuel depot.
The blaze was eventually brought under control shortly before 8:00 p.m.
No Injuries Reported
In a significant relief for authorities and the local community, no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
The swift response by firefighters and emergency personnel played a crucial role in containing the fire and minimizing its impact on surrounding facilities.
Government Orders Immediate Evacuation
Following an inspection of the affected area, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson directed the immediate suspension of commercial activities at the harbor’s Food Market and ordered the evacuation of traders operating in surrounding landslide-prone areas.
The precautionary measure was implemented to safeguard lives as heavy rainfall continues across the Western Region and concerns remain over the stability of nearby terrain.
Authorities have urged residents, traders, and harbor users to comply with safety directives while further assessments and investigations continue.
Source: Omanghana
