Months after a devastating fire swept through Borla Down, a densely populated section of Agbogbloshie, victims say they are still waiting for help to rebuild their lives.
The inferno, which occurred on 24th November 2025, razed down dozens of wooden structures used as both homes and businesses.
While similar tragedies at Adum PZ and Kantamanto markets prompted swift support from government, corporate agencies and private groups, residents of Borla Down say they’ve been left to fend for themselves.
“The fire took everything from me, shop, savings and my home. And yet, no one has come here to even ask how we are surviving,” said Abdul Aziz, a landlord whose house was destroyed in the fire.
Many of the victims are now living in makeshift shelters built from salvaged materials and brick.
Children sleep on bare floors, and some families share single rooms under tarpaulins. Community members say their appeals to authorities have gone unanswered.
“It’s like we don’t matter. Other places get support within days. But here, we’ve been on our own for months,” said Johnson, another victim whose motorbike was burned to the ground.
The situation, victims say, has not only left them homeless but has also crippled livelihoods and stalled education for many children in the area.
Residents are now calling on government agencies, corporate institutions, civil society organisations, and philanthropists to intervene.
“We’re not asking for much—just a little support to rebuild. Our lives are at a standstill,” said Abdul Aziz.
The JoyNews feature series Breaking the Fire Cycle, reported by Sweety Aborchie, shines a light on recurring fire disasters and the uneven response efforts across communities in Ghana.
As rebuilding efforts remain stalled, Borla Down’s residents are urging stakeholders not to let them be forgotten.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
