A heritage train owned by Ghanaian creative artist and author Ibrahim Mahama has been destroyed by fire following an incident in the Northern Region on Wednesday, February 18.
Confirming the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, February 19, Mr. Mahama described the development as a “tragic misfortune,” attributing the fire to sparks from ongoing repair works on the train.
“Yesterday [February 18], we had a tragic misfortune of losing one of our trains to fire due to sparks from ongoing repairs. Certainly, I am sure if a lot more care had been taken, this could have been prevented,” he wrote.
Mr. Mahama explained that the train was one of the most difficult pieces to acquire, having secured it nearly two years ago.
According to him, it had been scheduled last for body repairs due to the extensive rust it had accumulated over the years.
The train formed part of Ghana’s oldest railway stock, which is no longer in operation, and had been acquired as part of Mr. Mahama’s preservation efforts.
Despite the destruction, he confirmed that no injuries were recorded.
“No one was injured, thankfully. Our hearts may be broken, but our spirits are as high as ever,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Ghana National Fire Service for their response to the incident, as well as members of the local community for their support.
Mr. Mahama also urged the public to exercise caution during the dry season to help prevent similar incidents.
