adverts
Former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has pledged to lead efforts to reconstruct a section of the Kumasi Central Market that was ravaged by fire on Friday, March 21.
During a visit to the scene of the devastation, Dr Akoto donated GHS 300,000 to support traders who lost goods and properties in the blaze. He described the destruction as heartbreaking and emphasised the urgent need for a lasting solution.
Many traders affected by the fire have resorted to erecting makeshift stalls to keep their businesses alive, even as they await formal approval for reconstruction.
adverts
“Coming here today, you can see they’ve started building, but the structures are weak. They’re being supported by blocks, but these are unstable,” Dr Akoto observed.
He announced his intention to consult with key stakeholders, including the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, to obtain the necessary approvals to commence a comprehensive rebuilding project.
“If Otumfuo gives his blessing, and the Assembly also agrees, we will rebuild this market section within 12 months,” he said.
He added that the proposed reconstruction would involve a solid, permanent structure, including a cleaned-up frontage and new stores to help restore business normalcy for affected traders.
Dr Akoto, who is also a leading figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was accompanied by local party executives and opinion leaders during the visit. His promise has been met with cautious optimism by traders, many of whom are eager for a safer, more organised space to resume full business operations.
The Kumasi Central Market has been plagued by multiple fire incidents in recent years, raising ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety and fire prevention protocols in one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the whatsapp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.co
