…As they haggle over Adum fire victims
Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, yesterday demonstrated how fierce the race for the 2028 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer contest is going to be at the site of the devastating fire outbreak that destroyed several trading shops last Friday in the party’s stronghold.
The two prominent individuals, were out in different forms at Adum, the Central Business District of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, empathising with the traders over the loss, while literally laying their signposts for the flagbearer contest.
Interestingly, a Spokesperson for Mr Agyapong, Kwaku Amoh-Oarteh, reported yesterday, Tuesday, March 25, that a team had been dispatched to the affected area to assess the situation and provide immediate support to the victims; the ex-vice President, was personally on the ground to see things for himself.
He extended support to traders affected by the recent devastating fire at Adum, Kumasi, donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to aid in rebuilding their businesses. In contrast, Mr Agyapong, only assured the victims of his commitment to providing support.
The blaze, which broke out on Friday, March 24, ravaged several shops and stalls in the bustling business district, destroying goods worth millions of Ghana cedis.
The fire, which erupted in the early hours of March 21, destroyed dozens of shops and goods worth millions of Ghana cedis, leaving many traders in distress.
During his visit, Dr Bawumia, met with affected traders, some of whom broke down in tears as they described how years of hard work were lost within hours. They appealed for assistance to rebuild their businesses.
In response, Dr Bawumia, expressed his sympathy and urged patience as the Ghana National Fire Service investigated to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We have to wait for the investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service, and then we can determine the cause of the fire so that we can prevent it next time,” he stated.
“I am donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags to the victims, and I urge private individuals to also support the traders in getting their livelihoods back,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia, also appealed to the Mahama government to expedite the completion of the Kejetia Central Market Phase II project, which he said was about 80percent complete when the NPP left office.
Additionally, Dr Bawumia, commended the efforts of firefighters who battled the blaze, noting that their swift response prevented further destruction.
“I also want to appeal to the government to complete Phase II of the Kejetia Central Market, which was about 80% complete at the time we left office. We believe that when it is completed, it is going to the traders here.
“I want to commend the efforts of the fire service personnel. They have done their best to contain the fire. I heard about two fire personnel who have been admitted to the hospital, we wish them speedy recovery,” he stated.
The former vice president was accompanied by the NPP Regional Chairman, Bernard Boasiako, alias “Chairman Wontumi,” and other party officials.
Kennedy Agyapong’s team, which includes representatives from his office and other key stakeholders, will engage with traders, assess their losses, and explore ways to support them. Their findings will help shape long-term solutions to prevent such disasters in the future.
“As a businessman, he understands the immense effort required to build the long hours, the sacrifices, and the hopes for a better future. To see it all taken away in an instant is painful beyond words. He feels your pain and shares in your frustration,” the statement emphasized.
He also called on the Ghana National Fire Service, the Police, and other relevant agencies to strengthen market safety measures, improve emergency access, and enforce stricter fire prevention protocols.
Kennedy Agyapong, assured that upon his return to Ghana, he would personally visit the market, meet with affected traders, and discuss how to help them rebuild.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has denied claims linking the recent Adum fire to power outages.
Ing. George Amoah, ECG’s Ashanti West Regional General Manager, stated that the market operates on a dedicated distribution line, Town Hall Feeder, with an alternative supply from Power House 2. Both had no outages before the fire.
Ing. Amoah emphasised that ECG prioritises reliable power in the area, a key revenue hub.
Despite ECG’s efforts, vandalism and theft of transformers and cables have caused power disruptions in the past. However, Ing. Amoah confirmed that power was stable before the fire, and ECG only cut supply after the outbreak to assist firefighting efforts.
He noted that outdated wiring, unauthorised power connections, and substandard electrical setups in the market pose significant safety risks. ECG has advised traders to engage certified electricians in accordance with LI 2008 regulations.
Ing. Amoah, also clarified that a recent power outage in parts of Kumasi did not affect the market and was not connected to the fire.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, the Speaker of Parliament directed a joint committee comprising Defence, Interior, and Local Government to investigate the recent spate of fire outbreaks in markets across the country and report back urgently.
This directive, follows a devastating fire at Adum, which destroyed properties worth millions of Ghana cedis.
Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, expressed deep concern over the destruction suffered by traders and urged the government to provide immediate support.
“In my interaction with affected traders and eyewitnesses, it was revealed that this fire was allegedly triggered by dumsor. Power had been out, and the moment electricity was restored, it sparked and ignited the fire. Mr. Speaker, this is most unfortunate considering how far we have come as a nation,” he stated.
He further appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders, including the international community, to assist the affected traders in rebuilding their businesses and livelihoods.
In response, the Speaker tasked the joint committee to thoroughly examine the causes of the fires, particularly those in markets such as Kantamanto, Asafo, and Kejetia, among others.
“They are to look into these market fire outbreaks, determine the causes, and possibly recommend appropriate remedies for adoption by the House. The committee should submit its report in the first week of the second meeting,” the Speaker directed.