18 ROOMS RAVAGED BY FIRE AT MAAHA BEACH RESORT-FIRE COMMANDER REPORTS

A devastating fire broke out on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Maaha Beach Resort located in the Ellembelle District of Ghana’s Western Region, resulting in the destruction of 18 guest rooms. District Fire Commander DO2 Mark Hamilton confirmed the incident and the extent of the damage.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire is believed to have started at the adjacent Vision Beach Resort, specifically from its kitchen area. The blaze quickly spread to the front desk area and eventually extended to the nearby Maaha Beach Resort, where it wreaked significant havoc.

Efforts to contain the flames were initially hampered by a lack of appropriate fire response equipment. A fire tender stationed at the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant was unable to intervene, as it is equipped with firefighting materials suitable only for gas-related fires, not structural blazes.

In the face of the rapidly spreading fire, calls were made through the personal assistant of the Member of Parliament for the area to fire stations in nearby towns, including Axim. The delay in receiving support allowed the flames to engulf more rooms and structures before firefighting teams from Axim and surrounding areas arrived at the scene to battle the blaze.

Emergency responders were eventually able to bring the fire under control, but not before substantial damage had occurred. Authorities have not yet provided an official estimate of the total losses, and investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the fire. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties.

The incident is a significant blow to the resort, which is a popular destination for both local and international visitors, contributing to tourism and economic activity in the Western Region.