Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured assured traders hit by the fire at the Kumasi Central Market that government will look at ways of supporting them, saying some may be able to return to their shops before Christmas.
The minister gave the assurance during an emergency visit to the market with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.
The visit followed a directive from the President to assess the situation after the fire destroyed 15 shops before firefighters brought it under control.
Speaking to affected traders, Mr Ayariga conveyed the President’s sympathies and said government would find a way to help them out of the unfortunate situation.
“We will put our heads together to see how we can lift you out of this unfortunate situation. When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims,” he said.
He also said that government and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) had agreed to let affected shop owners temporarily restore their trading spaces ahead of the Christmas season, provided the areas meet structural safety requirements.
Before this however, KMA engineers are expected to carry out urgent structural integrity tests on the affected sections. The results will help determine whether the spaces can safely host trading while relief arrangements are considered.
The Minister further announced that work on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project, which has stalled, would resume shortly. He said the project is meant to help ease congestion in the market.
The announcements come as traders and authorities assess the impact of the fire and look for ways to restore businesses before the busy Christmas trading period.
ALSO READ:
Power restoration fault suspected in Kumasi Central Market fire
