GNFS rescues two girls from fire at late MP Dr Murtala Mohammed's Tamale home

Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel have successfully rescued two young girls trapped in a fire outbreak at the family residence of the late Dr Murtala Mohammed, Tamale Central Member of Parliament, in the Dohinna Yili area of Tamale on Wednesday.

The timely intervention by firefighters from Tamale Teaching Hospital Fire Station prevented what could have been a tragedy, with both girls emerging in good health and no casualties recorded from the incident.

Swift response saves lives

The GNFS received a distress call at 15:29 hours on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, reporting the fire outbreak at the 17-room compound house. A crew of seven firefighters was immediately dispatched at 15:30 hours and arrived at the scene within seven minutes at 15:37 hours.

Upon arrival, the team discovered two girls trapped inside one of the rooms engulfed by flames. Firefighters prioritised rescue operations whilst simultaneously working to contain the spread of the fire. The girls were extracted safely and the blaze was brought under control at 17:56 hours, with complete extinguishment achieved by 18:07 hours.

The fire caused significant damage to the property, with nine of the 17 rooms in the compound house severely affected. However, eight rooms and their contents were successfully salvaged thanks to the firefighters' efforts.

Why it matters for Ghana

Dr Murtala Mohammed was one of eight state officials who tragically died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, whilst travelling to the Ashanti Region to support efforts against illegal mining. His death represented a significant loss to Ghana's political and developmental landscape.

This incident highlights the ongoing work of Ghana's emergency services in protecting citizens during disasters, even in the context of national mourning. The swift response and successful rescue operation demonstrate the importance of well-trained firefighting personnel and functional emergency communication systems. Fire outbreaks remain a persistent challenge across Ghana, particularly in residential areas, and such successes underline the critical role of the GNFS in safeguarding lives and property.

Investigation underway

The GNFS has commenced investigations into the cause of the fire. Determining the origin of such incidents is essential for preventing future occurrences and ensuring public safety awareness across communities in Tamale and beyond.

The Service's quick mobilisation and effective coordination during this emergency exemplifies professional emergency response standards. For families and property owners across Ghana, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, including functional escape routes, fire extinguishers, and awareness of emergency contact procedures.