A couple have been burnt to death following a fire incident that razed their residence at Asuakwa, a suburb of the Sunyani East municipality, on Monday, October 20. The 65-year-old Nana Ameyaw Ampofo and 49-year-old Grace Adu Boafoawaa were found burnt beyond recognition in their kitchen area.

A Toyota Highlander and a pickup truck parked nearby were partially affected by the fire incident. Meanwhile, an investigation into the cause of the fire incident has been launched by the Bono Regional Police Command.

The development comes a few hours after a fire broke out at Kantamanto Tazani Lane near Ecobank in Accra on Tuesday, October 21. It took the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) firefighters almost four hours to extinguish the fire, which brought down several commercial structures in the area to ashes.

A total of seven fire engines and a turntable ladder were deployed from the Circle, Industrial Area, Accra Regional Headquarters, Madina, and Legon fire stations, with additional support from two appliances from the National Headquarters.

The fire, which gutted several commercial structures, was confined at 4:49 a.m. after nearly three hours of intense firefighting.Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, together with the Director of Operations, the Greater Accra Regional Commander, and other senior officers, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational support.

As of now, no injuries have been reported, and firefighting operations continue to ensure the blaze is completely extinguished. After which, they will launch an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. Ghana has recorded a number of fire incidents since the beginning of the year. According to statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025. The data shows a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year — an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases.

In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as: electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.

Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls. It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

Earlier this year, fire ravaged several parts of Kantamanto.

The fire on January 2 destroyed over 7,000 shops, leaving nearly 30,000 traders struggling financially.

Also, an inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. GNFS launched investigations into the cause of the fire.

Also, months ago, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

“A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

The Fire Service entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It is yet to be reported the cause of the fire.