Fire Engulfs Odawna Near Circle Amid Severe Flooding in Accra
Fire breaks out at Odawna near Circle as heavy flooding delays emergency response efforts.
- Fire breaks out at Odawna near Circle while heavy rains cause severe flooding in Accra
- Floodwaters delay firefighters’ access, worsening damage and emergency response efforts
- Residents are stranded as both fire and floods threaten lives and property in the area
A fire outbreak at Odawna, opposite the Adabraka Market in Accra, has destroyed several structures after burning for nearly an hour in an area already severely affected by flooding, with firefighters initially delayed in reaching the scene.
The blaze started on Monday morning, June 29, 2026, as heavy rains continued to pound the capital, leaving homes and surrounding communities submerged. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Hendrick Noble Kinnkah, the fire spread rapidly through the flooded neighbourhood while access to the location was severely restricted by rising water levels, leaving residents struggling to respond.
“Access to the area is a problem because the place is filled with water. However, they have been able to reach the area, and we are hoping that they will quench the fire. A lot of people are stuck in the water,” he said.
The delayed emergency response has raised concern among residents, many of whom were forced to flee as both fire and floodwaters threatened lives and property.
The incident occurred amid widespread flooding across Accra following hours of heavy rainfall that began on Sunday night, June 28, and continued into Monday morning, June 29.
The downpour submerged major roads, disrupted traffic, and left commuters stranded during the morning rush hour.
Affected areas include parts of the N1 Highway, Apenkwa toward Tesano, the Accra–Kasoa Highway, Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Atomic Junction in Madina, Kaneshie, Darkuman Junction, sections of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and surrounding communities.
Residents have called for urgent emergency intervention, warning that the combination of flooding and fire could worsen damage if swift action is not taken.
