Authorities have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of stabbing a firefighter during a fire last Friday at Adjiriganor in Accra. The suspect, Azumah Sampson, was taken into custody by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and handed over to the police after days of a thorough search. He is currently assisting investigators as they work to piece together the events surrounding the incident.
According to the GNFS, Sampson allegedly tried to force his way into the burning building to loot while emergency responders were still battling the blaze. During this confrontation, he stabbed a firefighter in the left arm. Another firefighter sustained an injury when a block fell on his shoulder amid the chaos. Both firefighters received medical treatment at Unity Clinic in Madina and have since been discharged.
The fire broke out around 9:30 p.m., consuming seven of the eight rooms on the top floor of the one-storey structure. Fire crews from multiple stations, including Legon, Madina, Adenta, and the GNFS headquarters, collaborated for several hours to contain and extinguish the flames. Their swift response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties, minimizing further damage to the community.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time. The GNFS had previously announced a reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, although officials have not disclosed whether a tip contributed to Sampson’s capture. This case underscores the dangers firefighters face, not only from the hazards of the job but also from unexpected violent acts during emergencies.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku