The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has commenced the registration of victims of the recent Odawna Rubber Market fire in Accra to facilitate the distribution of relief items.
According to officials, the exercise aims to establish a verified database of affected traders to ensure that support reaches only genuine victims. By Tuesday afternoon, 137 individuals had successfully completed registration. NADMO explained that the process involves cross-checking data with records from the traders’ association to prevent duplication, as some persons attempted multiple registrations.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has meanwhile cautioned traders against returning to the market to resume trading, stressing that the site remains unsafe and under investigation. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The Odawna Rubber Market, located near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, is a major hub for rubber and plastic goods. Fires at the market have historically caused significant losses, with traders often left without insurance or formal support systems. NADMO’s registration exercise is therefore seen as critical in ensuring that relief items are distributed fairly and effectively.
This latest incident adds to the growing list of disasters in Accra’s informal trading centres, where congested stalls, poor electrical wiring, and limited fire safety infrastructure heighten vulnerability. Authorities are urging traders to cooperate fully with the registration and safety directives to ensure effective relief and recovery.
