A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed the family house of the late former Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Mohammed Murtala, in Tamale, causing extensive damage to property worth thousands of Ghana cedis.
According to reports, nine out of the 17 rooms in the compound house were destroyed by the blaze, while firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully saved the remaining eight rooms after bringing the fire under control.
The Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, ADO1 Hudu Baba, explained that the Tamale Teaching Hospital fire crew was first dispatched to the scene but had to call for reinforcement due to the intensity of the fire.
“We received a report of a fire outbreak involving a compound house. When our firefighters arrived, almost the entire building was engulfed in flames. Because of the severity of the fire, additional support was requested from the Tamale Regional Headquarters substation,” he said.
He noted that the affected property consists of 17 rooms, with nine destroyed and eight successfully salvaged through the efforts of GNFS personnel.
GNFS Appeals for Modern Fire Engines and Better Water Supply
Following the incident, the Ghana National Fire Service renewed its appeal for improved firefighting equipment and infrastructure, highlighting the challenges faced during emergency operations.
ADO1 Baba revealed that the fire service relied on aging fire engines, including one that is approximately 40 years old, with a water capacity of only 500 litres, making it difficult to effectively combat large fires.
He explained that firefighters repeatedly had to leave the scene to refill their water tanks because the available supply was insufficient to extinguish the blaze.
The fire officer also cited the lack of functioning fire hydrants in Tamale as a major obstacle, calling on government agencies, corporate organizations, and well-meaning Ghanaians to support the Ghana National Fire Service with modern firefighting equipment and improved water infrastructure.
Fire Incident Rekindles Memories of 2025 Military Helicopter Crash
The fire has added to the grief of Mohammed Murtala’s family, coming nearly one year after the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of the former minister and seven other senior government and military officials.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Eyewitnesses described the latest incident as another painful chapter for the bereaved family, noting the emotional significance of the timing.
Family Accepts Incident as the Will of Allah
Despite the significant destruction, the head of the family, Ibrahim Mohammed Baba, said they have accepted the fire outbreak as the will of Allah and expressed gratitude that no further casualties were reported.
Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the fire, and investigations are expected to determine the origin of the blaze.
Source: newsthemegh.com