In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a devastating fire engulfed the densely populated area known as Sodom and Gomorrah at Circle, Accra.
The blaze, which started around 2 a.m., quickly spread through the informal settlement, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Hundreds of makeshift homes, shops, and small businesses were reduced to ashes, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread panic.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking.
“I woke up to the smell of smoke and the sound of people shouting,” said Ama, a resident who managed to escape with her family. “The fire spread so fast, we barely had time to grab anything.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been sparked by an electrical fault.
The tightly packed structures and lack of proper infrastructure in Sodom and Gomorrah made it difficult for firefighters to access the area and control the blaze.
By the time the fire was finally extinguished, it had consumed almost everything in its path.
Emergency services, including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Ghana National Fire Service, responded swiftly to the incident.
However, their efforts were hampered by the narrow, winding pathways and the sheer density of the settlement.
Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night, but the scale of the fire proved to be overwhelming.
NADMO officials have set up temporary shelters for the displaced residents, providing them with food, water, and basic necessities. “We are doing everything we can to assist those affected by this tragic event,” said Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, Director-General of NADMO. “Our priority is to ensure that everyone is safe and has access to the support they need.”
The fire has reignited discussions about the living conditions in Sodom and Gomorrah, one of Accra’s largest informal settlements. Home to thousands of people, the area has long been criticized for its lack of proper sanitation, electricity, and housing.
Many residents are migrants who moved to Accra in search of better opportunities but ended up in the sprawling slum due to a lack of affordable housing.
Community leaders and local NGOs have called for urgent action to address the underlying issues that make Sodom and Gomorrah vulnerable to such disasters.
“This fire is a wake-up call,” said Kwame Mensah, a local activist. “We need to find long-term solutions to improve living conditions and provide safer, more sustainable housing for the people who live here.”
In the aftermath of the fire, there has been an outpouring of support from across the country
Donations of clothes, food, and other essential items have been pouring in from individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations.
Volunteers have also been on the ground, helping to distribute aid and provide comfort to those affected.
For many residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. “We have lost everything,” said Kofi, a shop owner whose business was destroyed in the fire.
“But we are thankful to be alive, and we will rebuild. We have no other choice.”
As the community begins to pick up the pieces, there is hope that this tragedy will lead to meaningful change.
The resilience and solidarity displayed in the face of adversity have shown that even in the darkest times, the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah remains unbroken.
K Fosu The Informant is a lifestyle blogger with 6 years' experience in content and web development. He is a Google keyword planner, SEO analyst, an influencer and entrepreneur who holds BA Degree from Ghana's Premier University.
