Omanghana
A two-year-old girl has died after becoming trapped in a house fire in the Cantonments residential area of Accra.
The incident occurred on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at a residence near Susanna Lodge. Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded to the emergency and brought the blaze under control, but the child did not survive.
Her remains were recovered from the building and handed over to the Cantonments Police Command for the necessary procedures. Investigations have begun to determine the cause of the fire.
The tragedy comes amid growing concern about the number of residential fires recorded across Ghana. Electrical faults, unattended appliances, unsafe wiring and negligence are among the common factors linked to domestic fire outbreaks.
Figures from the Ghana National Fire Service indicate that the country recorded 2,055 fire incidents during the first quarter of 2026. Although the overall figure represented a decline of about 10 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, residential fires increased.
Domestic fire incidents rose from 770 in the first quarter of 2025 to 881 during the corresponding period in 2026, making them the leading category of fire outbreaks in the country.
The estimated value of property destroyed by fire also increased from GH¢167.4 million to GH¢215.5 million over the same period. Greater Accra recorded the highest number of incidents, with 377 cases reported during the first three months of 2026.
The Fire Service has urged households to inspect their electrical installations regularly, switch off appliances when they are not being used and keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
Parents and guardians have also been advised not to leave young children unattended and to ensure that emergency exits remain accessible in the event of a fire.
Source: Omanghana
