The government has delivered GHS1 million to assist victims of the devastating fire that engulfed the Kantamanto Market in Accra on January 2, 2025.
This donation fulfills a promise made by President John Dramani Mahama when representatives of the Kantamanto Traders Association, comprising 13 groups, paid him a visit shortly after he assumed office.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who presented the funds on behalf of the President, reassured traders of the government’s dedication to rebuilding the market. He announced plans to transform it into a modern, multi-purpose facility, designed to enhance trading operations and improve safety measures.
While expressing sympathy for the traders’ losses, Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of collaboration in redesigning the market. He highlighted the need for better emergency access and security enhancements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the affected traders, Rev. Opoku Afreh, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, expressed profound gratitude for the government’s support. He described the destruction as overwhelming, revealing that more than half of the market was lost, along with significant financial losses, including bales of goods and sales worth millions of dollars.
Rev. Afreh also disclosed that the association had secured a $100 million loan from Access Bank to support the market’s reconstruction. However, he urged the government to assist in resolving ongoing disputes over the land to facilitate the rebuilding process.
The event was attended by Deputy Chiefs of Staff Stanislav Dogbe and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Legal Advisor to the President Marietta Brew Oppong, and other key members of the President’s team.
The fire, which occurred on January 2, destroyed over 7,000 shops, leaving nearly 30,000 traders facing significant financial challenges.
SOURCE: Maxwell Agbagba
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