A fierce fire erupted at the Accra Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) in the early hours of Monday, August 4, leaving the building’s upper floor in ruins. The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed that the alarm was raised at exactly 01:02 a.m., with the first fire engine from the GNFS Headquarters arriving just two minutes later.
Despite the rapid response, strong winds had already fueled the flames into a fully developed fire by the time crews arrived.
Back-up units from the Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, and Ministries fire stations, along with a Rapid Intervention Vehicle, joined the firefighting efforts.
According to GNFS, it took over two hours to bring the fire under control, with final mop-up operations extending into the morning to prevent further damage.
Preliminary assessments reveal that the entire first floor and its contents were completely destroyed. However, firefighters were able to salvage the ground floor and at least eight offices on the east wing.
While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, eyewitnesses suspect the blaze may have originated from the kitchen of Rockz Waakye, a food vendor operating within the premises. Officials say investigations into the exact cause will begin soon.
The Tourist Information Centre, located opposite Afrikiko in Cantonments, serves as a major hub for visitors to the capital, raising concerns about the potential impact on tourism-related services in the coming weeks.
