TWO-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES IN TRAGIC DOMESTIC FIRE AT CANTOMENTS

The Ghana National Fire Service, which reported the Sunday, September 20, 2026, incident, said the girl could not survive the blaze, despite efforts by fire personnel to contain the inferno. The remains of the deceased have since been handed over to the Cantonments Police. The incident adds to the growing number of domestic fires recorded across the country this year, which remain the most prevalent type of fire outbreak in the country. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana recorded 2,055 fire outbreaks in the first quarter of 2026, a 10.02 per cent decline from the 2,261 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite the reduction, the cost of damage rose from GH¢167.4 million in 2025 to GH¢215.5 million in 2026. A breakdown of fire types showed that domestic fires remained the most prevalent, followed by commercial, bush, electrical, and vehicular fires. Data from the Service showed domestic fires rose from 770 in the first quarter of 2025 to 881 in 2026, becoming the leading category. Regionally, Greater Accra recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks with 377 cases, followed by the Ashanti and Central regions. The Service has attributed most domestic and commercial fires to electrical faults, negligence, and misuse of appliances, and has urged the public to adhere to basic fire safety measures.