Fire destroys artist Ibrahim Mahama’s heritage train
Sparks from repair works spark blaze at Red Clay Studio in Tamale, destroying rare colonial-era railway artifact but leaving no injuries reported.
Fire has destroyed one of the heritage trains belonging to Ghanaian creative artist and author Ibrahim Mahama. The incident occurred in the Northern Region on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Confirming the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, February 19, Mr. Mahama said fire engulfed the train after sparks from repair works on the train.
He described the incident as a “tragic misfortune.”
“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, which was part of a collection of colonial-era and post-independence railway stock, no longer in operation, was located at Mahama’s Red Clay Studio in Tamale, Northern Region.
Ibrahim Mahama acquired the decommissioned trains (some over 100 years old) from the Ghana Railway Company to preserve them as historical relics.
The collection is housed at Red Clay Studio, a cultural hub founded by Mahama that also features converted Soviet-era aircraft.
Despite the destruction, no injuries were recorded.
“No one was injured, thankfully. Our hearts may be broken, but our spirits are as high as ever,” he stated.
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He expressed appreciation 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 further urged the public to exercise caution during the dry season to help prevent similar incidents.
3NEWS
