The government  has donated GHC1 million to support victims of the recent fire disaster at Kantamanto Market in Accra, which occurred on January 2, 2025.

The donation comes after a pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama when representatives from the Kantamanto Traders Association, consisting of 13 groups, paid a courtesy call on him shortly after he assumed office. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, presented the funds on behalf of the President, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to help rebuild the market into a modern, multi-purpose facility aimed at improving business conditions for the traders, particularly those in the used clothing sector.

“There is hope. The President was elected to solve problems and is determined to help, without politics,” Mr. Debrah stated.

The fire, which destroyed more than 7,000 shops, caused significant financial losses for traders, many of whom had not yet deposited millions of cedis in sales. Rev. Opoku Afreh, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and highlighted the destruction, including the loss of stock valued at $1.7 million.

In addition to the donation, Rev. Afreh shared that traders had negotiated a deal with ACCESS Bank for a $100 million loan to fund the construction of a new market. However, he urged the government to intervene in resolving a land dispute that is delaying the project.

Mr. Debrah extended the government’s sympathy to the traders, stressing the need for cooperation on plans to redesign the market, improve security, and ensure better access to prevent future disasters.

The event was attended by Deputy Chiefs of Staff Stanislav Dogbe and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, as well as the President’s Legal Advisor, Marietta Brew Oppong.

Source:TheDotNews