There have been conflicting reports about a fire near the Akosombo Dam in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Initial reports from Myjoyonline.com on January 17, 2025, suggested a fire outbreak near the dam, raising concerns about potential risks to this crucial energy and water resource.
Eyewitnesses called for urgent intervention from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to prevent the fire from spreading. JoyNews also tweeted about the incident, requesting assistance from the GNFS.
However, the GNFS has issued a statement clarifying that there is no fire incident near the Akosombo Dam.
They acknowledge the existence of a fire but insist it is not near the dam and poses no threat. The GNFS assures the public that personnel are actively monitoring the situation.
The GNFS attributes the confusion to a viral social media video that incorrectly depicted the fire’s location. They explain that although the fire is not near the dam, the terrain’s inaccessibility has hindered their efforts to reach the location and extinguish it.
Despite this challenge, the GNFS is collaborating with local authorities to prevent the fire’s spread to residential or commercial areas. Personnel have also been stationed near the dam as a precautionary measure.
The GNFS used this incident as an opportunity to remind the public about the importance of bushfire prevention.
They highlighted their 2024/2025 Bushfire Prevention Campaign, which aims to educate the public on effective strategies to avoid such events.
