The Member of Parliament for Zabzugu, Alhassan Umar Abaako, has disbursed a GH¢250,000 relief package to victims of the fire outbreak that devastated the Zabzugu Market in February 2026.
The market fire particularly affected yam traders, Zambalama traders and several other business owners, many of whom lost their entire investments in the disaster.
The intervention fulfils a pledge made by the MP after he visited the scene shortly after the incident to sympathise with affected traders and assess the extent of the damage.
Following the incident, Mr Abaako established the MP’s relief fund for Zabzugu fire victims with an initial contribution of GH¢100,000. Through additional support mobilised over the past four months, the fund grew to GH¢250,000.
A total of 66 beneficiaries, comprising individual traders and trader groups, received financial assistance ranging between GH¢5,000 and GH¢10,000. The relief package also benefited traders from Kumasi and neighbouring Togo who regularly conduct business at the Zabzugu Market and suffered losses in the blaze.
At a ceremony to distribute the funds, beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude as they received financial support to help rebuild their businesses.
Addressing beneficiaries during the disbursement ceremony, the MP encouraged them to remain hopeful despite their losses.
He acknowledged that the support might not fully compensate for the destruction caused by the fire but said it would provide a foundation for affected traders to restart their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods.
Speaking to Channel One News, Mr Abaako said the intervention was motivated by the need to support traders who had lost their means of income and to help restore economic activity in the market.
Beneficiaries thanked the MP for fulfilling his promise and standing by them during a difficult period. Some recounted the impact of the fire on their businesses and families, describing the support as timely and significant.
Some of the traders from Kumasi commended the MP for extending support beyond residents of the district, while a trader from Togo, whose goods were completely destroyed, expressed gratitude for being included among the beneficiaries.
The fire disaster also drew attention to the absence of a fire station in the Zabzugu District. During the outbreak, firefighters had to travel from Bimbilla to respond to the incident, by which time significant damage had already been done.
Addressing the issue, Mr Abaako assured residents that efforts were underway to establish a fire station in the district.
He expressed confidence that Zabzugu would have its own fire service station by 2027 to improve emergency response and help prevent similar losses in the future.
