NPP Ashanti MPs commiserate with Adum Central market traders following inferno

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Caucus has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire that gutted parts of the Adum Central Market in Kumasi in the early hours of Friday, March 21.

The fire, which was difficult for personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to control, destroyed several shops and jeopardized the livelihoods of numerous traders and business owners.

In a statement signed by the MP for Old Tafo and Secretary to the caucus, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the caucus extended its sympathies to all affected individuals and families who suffered immense losses.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all affected individuals and families who have suffered immense losses due to this unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

The caucus noted that the Adum fire is part of a disturbing trend of increasing fire outbreaks in the Ashanti Region.

They cited previous incidents, including fires at Suame Magazine in February, the Kwadaso Wood Market in January, and the Konongo Mining Stores in March, all of which destroyed businesses and left traders in despair.

“These recurring fires are becoming one too many, and it is alarming that there seems to be no concrete effort to address the situation. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) continues to face significant challenges in combating such large-scale fires due to a lack of modern firefighting equipment, inadequate water supply infrastructure, and insufficient personnel,” the caucus stated.

Beyond expressing condolences, the MPs urged the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, to take immediate steps to investigate the causes of the recurring fires and implement preventive measures.