What could have been a full-blown industrial disaster was swiftly averted on Wednesday after skilled firefighters from the Tema Regional Fire Command brought a raging blaze under control at Flour Mills Ghana Limited, saving critical infrastructure and preventing casualties.
The fire, which broke out at 12:39 p.m., engulfed eight floors of the production unit, damaging armoured cables, electrical panels, and parts of the production machinery, according to a statement from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, firefighters managed to contain the fire before it could spread to the flour warehouse, key production equipment, and office blocks.
One worker, who suffered from smoke inhalation, was promptly taken to the GPHA Clinic and is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.
The Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sapong, who led a team of senior officers to the scene, praised the alertness of the Flour Mills staff and the quick response of emergency personnel, which she said were critical in minimizing damage.
“Your vigilance and swift reporting made all the difference. This is a textbook example of why early detection and timely communication are essential in fire emergencies,” she remarked.
She also lauded the professionalism of the GPHA Fire/Safety Department and the GNFS crew, commending their bravery and efficiency in containing the blaze “in record time.”
The response team included top fire service officers such as ACFOII Patrick Sallah (Tema Regional Fire Officer), ACFOI Nissau (Greater Accra Regional Fire Officer), and ACFOII Osmon Annum (Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS Headquarters).
An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, as the GNFS reiterates its call for increased fire safety vigilance at industrial facilities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid intervention, especially in high-risk industrial zones.
