A fire broke out late Tuesday night at the laboratory complex of the Korle-Bu Medical School, damaging several key facilities.
According to a statement from the Public Relations Office of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Greater Accra Region, the service received a distress call at exactly 23:50 GMT.
The blaze affected critical sections of the Medical Laboratory building, including the Accounts Office, Stores, Administration, and Archives.
A rapid multi-station response was launched, with personnel and equipment deployed from the Regional Headquarters Substation, Accra City Fire Station, National Headquarters Substation, and the Ministries Fire Station. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control by 00:43 hours, and the fire was fully extinguished by 04:10 hours on Wednesday morning.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The GNFS attributed the swift containment of the fire to the efficiency and professionalism of the firefighting teams.
Due to the quick response, adjoining facilities such as the Allied Sciences Building, the Diabetic Centre, and the Stores Annex were successfully protected from the flames.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” the GNFS noted in its statement, while commending all personnel involved for their dedication and effectiveness throughout the operation.
Overhauling procedures—which are carried out to prevent the fire from reigniting—were conducted immediately after the flames were put out.
The incident has sparked public concern due to the significance of the location. The Korle Bu Medical School, part of the University of Ghana’s College of Health Sciences, is situated within the premises of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital—one of the country’s foremost healthcare institutions.
Investigators are expected to assess the extent of the damage to essential documents and equipment housed in the affected sections of the laboratory.
Established in 1923, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is Ghana’s premier referral facility and one of the largest hospitals in West Africa. Its medical laboratory plays a vital role in diagnostic work for patients nationwide.
