Government to house families displaced by Accra police barracks fire

The government has pledged temporary accommodation and relief support for families displaced by a fire that swept through sections of the Police Barracks opposite the Greater Accra Regional Police Headquarters in Accra.

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka gave the assurance during a visit to the scene on Thursday, where he assessed the damage and met residents affected by the blaze.

The fire destroyed property and displaced several households, leaving many residents without shelter and facing the loss of personal belongings.

Mr Muntaka, who was accompanied by the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, said arrangements were being made to provide temporary housing for affected families while plans for reconstruction of the barracks were being finalised.

In a post on Facebook after the visit, the minister said victims would also receive cash assistance, clothing and other relief items through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

“The visit was to assess the situation firsthand, interact with affected residents, and assure them of the government's commitment to supporting them in this difficult period,” he said.

Emergency responders succeeded in bringing the fire under control, but not before extensive damage had been caused to residential units within the barracks.

The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.

As part of his visit, the Interior Minister also visited a police officer who was injured during the incident and is receiving treatment at the Police Hospital.

He expressed sympathy to the officer and assured him of government support during his recovery.