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The government, in consultation with all stakeholders, intends to rebuild and better protect the country’s markets and commercial spaces, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed.
Dr. Bawumia, accompanied by the Minister of National Security, Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister of the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery, Regional Minister of Greater Accra, Hon. Ishmael Ashittey and officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) made it known on Wednesday, December 16, when he toured parts of the Kantamanto market devastated by fire last night.
Market leaders say at least 2,592 people have been directly affected by the fire, with sheds, stalls and ‘warehouses’ razed.
Many traders were overwhelmed by the loss, particularly of school uniforms procured for supply prior to the reopening of schools, when Covid-19 restrictions will be eased to allow for the resumption of schools.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
The vice president, devastated by the incident, indicated that he will lead a government delegation to meet with market leadership and other stakeholders to seek ways to provide humanitarian and commercial support to affected traders.
The meeting will also discuss modalities for rebuilding the market with more durable material instead of the current use of wood, as well as explore ways to strengthen security, he hinted.
“This is a devastating human tragedy. I have been told that more than 2,592 people have been directly affected and thousands more indirectly affected. This is a very sad situation. So many of our fellow citizens losing their daily livelihoods is unacceptable, ”he said.
“As investigations into this tragedy continue, we also have work to do. Therefore, I have called a meeting on Friday, in my office, with the market leadership and everyone interested in the functioning of this particular market and the markets in general, to discuss how we can, in the first place, help to the victims in Kantamanto. , providing some assistance. NADMO is here, but we’ll do more.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, we will see rebuilding, using more durable and fire resistant material rather than wood, to avoid such devastation in the future. We will also look for ways to better protect our markets. As you can see, I have members of the security apparatus here. We have already started discussions on that front. “
While comforting the merchants for their loss, Dr. Bawumia assured the merchants of the government’s intention to help them recover and insure their businesses against such events in the future, and asked for their support when such work begins.
