Mahama administration donates GHS1million to Kantamanto fire victims

The administration of President John Dramani Mahama has donated GHS 1 million to support victims of the fire disaster that ravaged the Kantamanto Market in Accra on January 2, 2025.

This gesture follows a commitment made by President Mahama during a meeting with the Kantamanto Traders Association—a coalition of 13 groups, including the Used Clothes Traders Association, Egg Sellers Association, Hairdressers Association, and Shoe Sellers Association. The courtesy call took place a week after the president officially began his second term in office.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who presented the donation on behalf of the president, expressed the government's commitment to aiding the victims and outlined plans to rebuild the market into a modern, multi-purpose facility. This initiative aims to enhance business opportunities for traders, particularly used clothes dealers and others affected by the disaster.

“There is hope,” Mr. Debrah said. “The President was elected to solve problems, and he is ready to help, devoid of politics.”

He also conveyed the government's sympathy to the traders, acknowledging the significant losses they had suffered. Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the traders to redesign the market, improve access for rapid emergency responses, and strengthen security measures to prevent future disasters.

The Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, Rev. Opoku Afreh, expressed gratitude on behalf of the 13 groups represented. He recounted the extensive losses suffered by traders, including the complete destruction of over half the market and millions of cedis in sales that had yet to be deposited in banks.

“One wholesale business, which had never been affected before, and bales of clothes worth $1.7 million, were completely destroyed,” Rev. Opoku highlighted.

He revealed that the traders had initiated discussions with Access Bank, which is prepared to provide a $10 million loan to help construct a modern market. However, he appealed to the government to intervene in resolving a land dispute affecting the reconstruction plans.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Deputy Chiefs of Staff Stanislav Dogbe and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the President’s Legal Advisor Marietta Brew Oppong, and other presidential staffers.

The January 7 Kantamanto Market fire destroyed more than 7,000 shops, causing significant financial losses to traders and disrupting livelihoods across the market.