Bawumia hints at arson in Kantamanto market fire, pledges to rebuild

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has assured traders at Kantamanto market of government support to rebuild the facility following a catastrophic fire that claimed one life and destroyed property worth millions of cedis.

During a visit to the market on Monday, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, acknowledging the devastating impact on traders who have lost their goods and livelihoods.

“We are here because of the fire outbreak. I was deeply saddened to hear about it. Seeing the complete destruction today, it is truly heartbreaking. All the traders have lost everything, and unfortunately, we’ve also lost a life,” he said.

The Vice President disclosed that investigations into the fire's cause are ongoing, with preliminary reports hinting at the possibility of arson. However, he emphasized the importance of allowing the authorities to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.

Dr. Bawumia commended traders for their resilience, noting their initial efforts to reconstruct parts of the market. To support this endeavor, he pledged assistance with essential materials, including wood, cement, and roofing sheets.

“We will help you rebuild the market. We know you need wood, cement, and roofing sheets, and we will provide them to help you get back on your feet,” he assured the traders.

In addition to reconstruction efforts, the Vice President announced plans to improve security at the market. He pledged to personally fund the installation of CCTV cameras to bolster safety and prevent future incidents.

“When the market is rebuilt, we need to prioritize security. I will personally provide CCTV cameras for Kantamanto to ensure the safety of the traders and their businesses,” Dr. Bawumia said.

Dr. Bawumia’s visit brought hope to the affected traders, with his commitments reflecting a broader government effort to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions. His intervention underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and ensuring their resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.