The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has assured victims of the recent Kumasi Central Market fire outbreak of state support while announcing that stalled construction works on phase two of the Kejetia Market project will resume shortly to resolve market congestion.
The announcement was made during an emergency site visit to the scene of the blaze, which destroyed 15 shops before being contained by firefighters.
The Local Government Minister joined the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, to assess the extent of the damage following a directive from the President.
Addressing the affected traders, the Minister expressed presidential sympathies and stated that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) will conduct a formal assessment to determine the full scope of financial and material aid required.
”We will put our heads together to see how we can lift you out of this unfortunate situation,” the Minister stated, adding, “When we get the report from NADMO, we will explore every opportunity that exists to support the victims.”
To facilitate immediate relief, the Local Government Minister, in coordination with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has agreed to permit affected shop owners to temporarily restore their trading spaces ahead of the upcoming Christmas trading season, provided structural safety standards are met.
KMA engineers have been instructed to conduct urgent structural integrity tests on affected areas before traders are allowed back onto the market premises.
Addressing the root causes of recurring market fires and overcrowding, the Minister disclosed that regulatory and financial hurdles hindering the execution of the Kejetia Market phase two project have been resolved.
He reiterated that contractors are expected back on site shortly to finalise phase two, which will absorb thousands of informal traders currently operating in high-density sections of the market.
Mr Ayariga further stated that financial mobilisation for phase three has been resolved, securing the long-term expansion of multi-storey trading infrastructure.
Engagement sessions, the Minister highlighted, will be held with market executives to manage transitional arrangements for the construction of phase three of the market.
Mr Ayariga emphasised that expanding the stock of modern, well-engineered trading structures remains the primary structural measure to prevent future outbreaks.
He also commended the Ghana National Fire Service for their rapid containment of the blaze, noting that prompt intervention saved hundreds of adjoining structures within the market complex of over 1,000 shops.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, cautioned market operators against poor electrical wiring practices and unauthorised utility connections.
He urged them to engage certified electricians, avoid cooking within enclosed stalls, and switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day.
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