Accra: Several staff members of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Wa have been left displaced and counting their losses after a fire outbreak destroyed a 16-room compound house owned by the Corporation and occupied by its staff.
According to Ghana News Agency, the incident, which reportedly occurred between 1200 and 1300 hours on Thursday, razed all 16 rooms and destroyed the personal belongings of the occupants. Mr. Denis Bebane, one of the victims, shared that he lost all his possessions, including a motorcycle, in the blaze.
Recounting the incident, Mr. Bebane stated that he was asleep in the bedroom while his wife was in the hall when she heard people shouting, 'Fire! Fire!' His wife rushed outside and saw smoke emanating from one of the rooms, prompting her to alert him. In the ensuing panic, Mr. Bebane rushed into the room to rescue their child, who was also asleep, despite the confusion and thick smoke engulfing the house.
Mr. Bebane explained that the compound house had only one exit, leading to chaos as residents simultaneously scrambled to save their belongings. He lamented that all his possessions were consumed by the fire.
Mr. Suala Abdul-Wahab, Upper West Regional Correspondent of GBC, reported that personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly with two fire tenders and took about an hour to bring the fire under control. Their swift response prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby houses.
Mr. Christopher Asiedu, Upper West Regional Director of GBC, mentioned that he had reported the incident to the Corporation's head office and was awaiting further directives. He also informed the Wa Municipal Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to facilitate emergency relief support for the affected staff. Management plans to meet the victims to assess the extent of their losses and determine the necessary support.
Divisional Officer Grade Three (DO III) Mr. Iddrisu Imran, Wa Municipal Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.