Kumasi market fire victims begin reconstruction of burnt stalls

Kumasi market fire victims begin reconstruction of burnt stalls

A scene of the burnt Kumasi Central market.

Victims of last Sunday’s fire at the Kumasi Central market have begun reconstructing their kiosks and sheds. Scores of shop owners on Tuesday morning started putting their wooden structures together.

The June 16 fire razed shops and destroyed property worth thousands of Ghana cedis. However, Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu, on Monday announced a GHS 200, 000 support for the fire victims.

Luv FM’s Erastus Asare-Donkor reports that even before the money could be disbursed, the market women have begun constructing their sheds. According to him, 30 sheds had already been put up as at mid-day.

The Kumasi Mayor, who was at the market on Tuesday to reiterate government’s commitment to assist the traders in rebuilding their sheds, received a tumultuous welcome from excited market women, according to Erastu Asare-Donkor.

According to reports, the traders were happy with the Assembly’s planned GHS 200,000 package. But it is not clear how the money would be disbursed to the victims. Indications are that roofing sheets and other building materials would be purchased and distributed to victims of the fire.

Meanwhile, in Accra traders at the Makola No. 2 market have been assured by the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Isaac Vandapuje, that they can start business activities by Thursday, June 20. The Deputy Minister met the market women on Tuesday, June 18.

The Markola No.2 market also went in flames on June 4, destroying several shops and property. Investigations into what caused the fire are ongoing.