A devastating fire at Tulaku, a densely populated community behind the Ghana Water Company in Ashaiman, has left numerous families homeless, destroying homes, personal property, and business capital. The blaze, which started around 16:00 hours on Tuesday, reportedly razed 75 kiosks and more than 52 permanent structures, wiping out livelihoods and leaving children and adults without shelter.
Residents, many of whom operate small businesses and keep daily earnings at home, described the fire as a total loss of their economic foundations. Mr David Paul Agyei Asare, a driver and scrap dealer, recounted losing all his daily savings stored at home to support his business. “Many people lost their daily savings because they had kept them at home to use for their business the next day,” he said.
Traders and artisans shared similar stories of devastation. Ms Emmanuella Amposah, a mother of four, returned from the market to find her home destroyed. “I couldn’t save a single thing; even the clothes I am wearing were given to me by someone,” she said. Carpenter Mr Agbo Freeman said his family of five, together with his brother’s family of eight, were left with no place to sleep, with household appliances, school uniforms, and personal belongings all lost to the flames.
Ms Shukura Zakari, who lost both her home and shop, expressed particular concern for her three children, noting that she now has no means to support them while her husband is away.
Affected residents are urgently appealing to the government, religious organizations, and philanthropists for humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, and support to rebuild their livelihoods. Many emphasized that without their liquid capital, they cannot meet basic needs or resume work.
Authorities are yet to confirm the official cause of the fire, as residents continue to assess the full scale of the losses and navigate the aftermath of the disaster.
