Workers At Arts Centre Count Losses As Fire Guts Shops

Thhe Arts Centre workers in Accra are reeling from a devastating fire that broke out on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, destroying several shops and leaving victims with significant financial losses. The incident, which occurred around 6:15 pm, was reportedly caused by a faulty gas cylinder. According to eyewitness accounts, a worker attempting to boil water accidentally triggered the blaze, which spread quickly through multiple wooden structures in the centre.

Several shops were completely gutted by the fire, with traders estimating losses in the thousands of cedis. Many of the affected workers are artisans and small business owners who rely on their daily income for survival. One of the victims, Esther Atanga, a seamstress and single mother, shared her ordeal with the media.

I’ve lost all my equipment. How will I survive? How will I take care of my children? Another affected worker estimated his losses to be around GHS 20,000. I had three machines in the building. I couldn’t salvage anything due to the intensity of the fire. We’ve lost a lot. God being so good, no one was hurt. At this point, we urge the government to come to our aid, he said.

The incident has left many workers stranded and uncertain about how they will recover. While no injuries were reported, the emotional and financial toll on those affected is severe. Victims also appealed to the government and benevolent organisations for urgent support to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods. Meanwhile, investigations into the exact cause of the fire are expected to continue.