A fire at Kumasi Central Market in Ghana has prompted the government to promise support for affected traders. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is expected to assess the damage and determine the assistance required. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga gave the assurance during an emergency visit to the scene with Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.
The visit followed a directive from the President to assess the situation after the blaze destroyed 15 shops before being contained by firefighters. Addressing affected traders, Mr Ayariga conveyed the President’s sympathies and said the government would consider available options to help them recover from their losses. He assured them that the government would put its heads together to see how it can lift them out of this unfortunate situation.
The government, in coordination with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has agreed to allow affected shop owners to temporarily restore their trading spaces ahead of the Christmas season, provided the areas meet structural safety requirements. KMA engineers are to conduct urgent structural integrity tests on the affected sections before traders can return to their shops. This assessment will help determine whether the affected spaces can safely accommodate trading activities while relief arrangements are considered.
The Minister also announced that construction works on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project, which have stalled, would resume shortly. The project is intended to help address market congestion, although no specific date for the resumption was provided. The proposed restart comes as traders and authorities assess the impact of the latest fire and consider measures to restore affected businesses ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
According to Mr Ayariga, the government will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims once it receives the report from NADMO. The report will help determine the level of support needed to help the traders recover from their losses. The government’s support is expected to be in the form of financial assistance or other forms of relief.
The fire at Kumasi Central Market has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in markets across Ghana. The government has been urged to take steps to prevent similar fires from occurring in the future. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has assured that it will work with market authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to prevent future fires.
The government’s promise of support for the fire victims has been welcomed by traders and market authorities. The support is expected to help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the fire and help them to recover from their losses. The incident has also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response in Ghana.
Key points
- The government has assured traders affected by the fire at Kumasi Central Market of possible state support.
- The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is expected to assess the damage and determine the assistance required.
- Construction works on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project are expected to resume shortly.
