By Enoch 
Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Calls for Thorough Investigation on Kantamanto Fire
The Kantamanto Market in Accra was engulfed in flames in the early hours of January 2, 2025, leaving traders devastated and goods worth millions of cedis destroyed. Vice President-elect, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, visited the market on January 4, 2025, to offer her sympathies and call for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
A Heartfelt Visit
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s visit to the market was a gesture of solidarity with the affected traders. She interacted with the traders, offering words of comfort and support. The Vice President-elect emphasized the importance of understanding the extent of the losses and the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire. She reassured the traders that their plight would not be overlooked and that every effort would be made to assist them during this difficult period.
Dismissing Rumors
During her address, Professor Opoku-Agyemang dismissed rumors that the fire was intentionally set to take over the market. She described such claims as baseless and urged the public to focus on the facts. The Vice President-elect stressed that the traders, who have worked hard to provide for their families, should not be subjected to unfounded accusations. She encouraged the community to stand together and support one another, rather than spreading false information that could further hurt the victims.
Call for Action
Professor Opoku-Agyemang called on the Ghana National Fire Service to provide a detailed report on the incident. She expressed concern over the delays in releasing reports on similar incidents in the past and emphasized the need for timely and transparent investigations. The Vice President-elect assured the traders that the government would support them in rebuilding their stalls and recovering from the losses. She also highlighted the importance of implementing preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, suggesting that regular fire safety drills and checks be conducted at market places.
Community Support
The visit by Professor Opoku-Agyemang was well-received by the traders and the public. Many social media users praised her for her empathy and leadership. The New Force Movement leader, Nana Kwame Bediako, also visited the market and made a donation of GH¢50,000 to support the affected traders. Additionally, various philanthropic organizations and individuals have pledged their support, offering financial assistance, food supplies, and temporary shelters for the traders who lost their livelihoods in the fire.
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The Traders’ Struggle
The traders at Kantamanto Market face a daunting task as they begin to rebuild their stalls and businesses. For many, the market is their primary source of income, and the fire has left them in a state of uncertainty. Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is a sense of resilience and determination among the traders. They are hopeful that the investigation will bring clarity and justice, allowing them to move forward with confidence. The traders have also called on the government to provide financial assistance and soft loans to help them restart their businesses.
Moving Forward
As the traders begin the process of rebuilding their stalls, the call for a thorough investigation remains a priority. The affected traders are hopeful that the investigation will bring clarity and justice, allowing them to move forward with confidence. The community’s support and solidarity will be crucial in helping the traders overcome this setback and restore the vibrancy of Kantamanto Market.
Final Thoughts
The Kantamanto Market fire has been a tragic event for the traders and the community. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s visit and call for a thorough investigation highlight the importance of addressing such incidents with transparency and empathy. The support from leaders and the community will be crucial in helping the traders rebuild and recover from this devastating loss. The incident also serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures and prompt investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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