Following a recent devastating fire outbreak at the Adum Bluelight Market in Kumasi, the traders say they are struggling to recover with little to no government support.
Chairman of the United Traders Association, Joseph Bobie Ansah, says the government has yet to intervene in the reconstruction of the market, leaving the traders to fend for themselves.
“We will do it ourselves because the government won’t be able to complete the market for us on time. There are already a lot of markets uncompleted by the government, so as we’ve gained the clearance to go ahead and do it, we will,” he asserted.
Mr. Ansah reassured traders that all affected shop owners would get back their original spaces once the reconstruction is completed.
“No new people will be allowed to buy any space. It’s for the original traders,” he said.
He gave the assurance when the Amansie Rural Bank PLC donated 100 bags of cement to assist in the ongoing reconstruction of the market.
The gesture, which is part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, comes at a critical time when the traders attempt to rebuild their businesses from the ashes.
“It is something we’re doing and will continue doing because it’s part of us,” said acting Head of Business Development and Relationship Banking, Anna Adu-Gyamfi.
She encouraged traders and the public to bank with Amansie Rural Bank, emphasizing the bank’s strong customer service, varied financial products, and commitment to helping clients in times of crisis.
One of the beneficiaries of the bank’s intervention, Kwame Wiredu, shared how the bank reached out to him after the fire outbreak to assess the situation.
“They called me to ask for every detail and decided to help us, even though I owe the bank,” he said.
Mr. Wiredu described the Bank’s support as deeply personal and urged others to bank with institutions that stand with their customers in times of crisis.
Despite the challenging conditions, there is a shared determination among the traders to rebuild the market.