The site of the recent fire disaster at Adum-Blue Light in Kumasi, has become a hotspot for New Patriotic Party (NPP) heavyweights, who appear to be using the tragedy as a litmus test for their popularity ahead of the party’s 2028 flagbearer race.
Since the blaze ravaged the area, key figures within the NPP, have descended on the site, bearing cash donations, gifts, and promises—creating the impression that the flagbearer contest has unofficially commenced.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, was the first to visit the scene, delivering cash and a message of solidarity.
His visit was quickly followed by that of Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bawumia’s chief rival in the previous flagbearer contest.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP’s 2024 running mate, also made an appearance to commiserate with affected traders.
More recently, Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi and a potential contender for the 2028 NPP flagbearership, made a high-profile visit that may be the boldest move yet in this emerging campaign.
Mr Acheampong, a former Minister for Food and Agriculture, with a heavy entourage, donated GH¢300,000 from his personal funds to support traders most severely impacted by the inferno.
In addition to the cash, he pledged to reconstruct a two-storey building that housed over 200 shops, destroyed in the blaze, on the condition that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, grants permission.
The Ashanti Region, considered the NPP’s political stronghold, is witnessing a surge in activity as party stalwarts position themselves to win favour among grassroots supporters.
During his visit to the disaster site on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, Mr Acheampong spoke with victims, offered words of comfort, and outlined his intentions to support the rebuilding efforts. The site of the destroyed building lies east of the Adum-Blue Light area.
He further announced plans to formally seek the Asantehene’s blessing, along with consultations with the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the Mayor of Kumasi.
In a further demonstration of his philanthropic commitment, Mr Acheampong, donated an additional GH¢500,000 to victims of the Kantamanto fire disaster, reinforcing his image as a champion for distressed communities.
“I will undertake the rebuilding of the two-storey structure if given the blessing by the Asantehene,” he stated, adding that his proposal would be formally presented upon the monarch’s return.
As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rock City Hotel—described as the largest hotel in Africa—Mr Acheampong, said the project was well within his means and posed no challenge to execute.
He proposed that any future contributions or fundraising efforts be directed towards equipping traders with the resources needed to relaunch their businesses.
“I’m not just offering temporary relief,” he said. “What we need are permanent solutions. If given the opportunity, I will rebuild this market from scratch—a safe, modern, fire-resistant complex that protects lives, property, and the dignity of our traders.”