The Minority Caucus in Parliament has extended financial support to victims of the recent market fires that ravaged the Adum Blue Light Market in Kumasi and the Kantamanto Market in Accra, donating a total of GH¢400,000 to assist affected traders.
On Monday, April 14, the Caucus, led by Minority Leader Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, donated GH¢200,000 to traders at the Adum Blue Light Market.
The following day, another GH¢200,000 was presented to victims of the January 2, 2025, Kantamanto Market fire in Accra.
The donations are intended to provide immediate relief and help traders begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.
Kantamanto traders appeal for relief
At the Kantamanto Market, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed deep concern for the devastated traders, many of whom lost entire shops and merchandise in the inferno.
Addressing the affected community during the visit, he said, “We appeal to the government to come to your aid. Recently, we approved the budget, and we are aware that the Contingency Fund is available to assist in times of crisis.”
He further urged financial institutions that had extended loans to market traders to show compassion by reducing interest rates or offering flexible terms.
“This is GH¢200,000, a modest contribution from us, the mighty Minority, to support you,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The impact of the fire on the Kantamanto trading community has been severe, with many still counting their losses and struggling to regain their footing.
The Minority’s donation brought a measure of hope to those still reeling from the destruction.
Solidarity in Kumasi’s Adum Market
The day before the Kantamanto donation, the Minority Caucus visited the Adum Blue Light Market in Kumasi, where they delivered another GH¢200,000 to support fire victims.
There, too, Mr. Afenyo-Markin conveyed the Caucus’s heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the affected traders.
He emphasized the need for swift government intervention, echoing calls for the activation of the Contingency Fund to provide immediate support.
“The government must show the same level of urgency and compassion as it has in other similar tragedies,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional and economic impact of the disaster on families and business owners.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Adum traders, Mr. Joseph Bobie Ansah, Chairman of the market traders association, expressed gratitude to the Minority.
“We are deeply grateful for this support. It will go a long way to ease the burden on our members who have lost everything,” he said.
Calls for broader government response
Both donations come at a time when public pressure is mounting on the government to respond more decisively to the growing frequency of market fires across the country.
Stakeholders, including market associations, civil society, and political leaders, have reiterated the need for a national response strategy that includes emergency funding, preventive infrastructure, and insurance schemes for traders.
The Minority Caucus’s intervention, though modest, has reignited the debate about government preparedness and support mechanisms in times of disaster.
For now, however, the financial lifeline from Parliament’s opposition members is helping bring some relief—and hope—to those who need it most.
