Government promises support for Kumasi Central Market fire victims

The government has pledged potential assistance to traders impacted by a fire at Kumasi Central Market, with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) set to assess the damage and determine the required support. During an emergency visit to the scene, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga, along with the Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene and Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, conveyed the President's condolences and expressed commitment to helping victims recover from their losses.

Ayariga stated that the government would explore all available avenues to provide assistance once they receive the report from NADMO.

The government has agreed to allow affected shop owners to temporarily restore their trading spaces prior to the Christmas season, pending structural safety evaluations. KMA engineers will conduct urgent assessments of the affected sections before traders can resume their operations. The assessment aims to determine whether the damaged areas can safely accommodate trading activities while relief arrangements are considered.

Additionally, Ayariga announced the resumption of construction works on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market project, which had been halted. The project aims to address market congestion; however, no specific date for the restart was mentioned in the statement. The proposal comes as traders and authorities evaluate the consequences of the recent fire and deliberate on measures to restore affected businesses ahead of the lucrative Christmas trading season.