Victims of the Adum Blue Light market fire incident have strongly objected to a decision by Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, to demolish their rebuilt structures.
The traders claim they are using their own resources to redevelop the dilapidated buildings and have urged the mayor to allocate his funds to other projects.
The mayor had set July 31st as a deadline for the demolition, deeming the traders’ rebuilding efforts “illegal and non-technical.”
“I don’t know the reason why some people want to lose money twice, with whatever they do I will pull it down and rebuild it, so any time they close they should go along with their items because they will come one day and see it down,” said Mr. Boadi.
However, the traders argue that if the government were to rebuild, the stores would likely be allocated based on political considerations, rather than being returned to their rightful owners.
One of the traders, Prince Owusu, expressed frustration, stating that the contractor is nearing completion of the rehabilitation work.
“We should allow you to come and build it within three years to delay our business, it’s impossible,” he claimed.
The traders claimed that the support from philanthropists and contributions from affected individuals are the source of funding for the rebuilding.
The fire incident occurred on March 21, 2025, destroying three-story buildings and hundreds of shops.
Despite the challenges, business has started to bounce back, with some shop owners rebuilding their stores.
Culverts are being constructed to prevent flooding in the rainy season.