VVIP Fire: Scrap dealers, scavengers comb through debris for economic gains

Scrap dealers, scavengers and some roadside vendors have taken advantage of the recent fire outbreak behind the Royal VVIP Station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to make some money.

Several of them were seen at various parts of the affected area, busily combing through the debris for scraps, phone accessories and other salvageable items for resale.

When the Ghana News Agency visited the site, the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly had completed the clearing of the trading enclave, where the fire razed dozens of shops, to allow for a rebuilding.

Abdul Majid, a farmer and scrap dealer, described the situation as an irony of life, noting that while some mourned their losses, others found an opportunity to earn a living.

“While some are crying, others will enjoy. The harm has already been caused, and we need to explore the opportunities,” he said with a grim smile.

Majid explained that after filling their sacks, scrap dealers would proceed to scrap yards where the items were weighed and paid for.

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“If you are lucky, you can get about GH¢70 from one sack. If you are not tired, you can return to gather more. By close of day, you will definitely get something to fend for yourself and your family,” he said.

Majid added that the volume of scrap materials at the site was so large that even a thousand people could not gather everything at once.

“We all need to be patient and gather what we can at a time. Everyone will get a good share,” he added.

Another scavenger, who pleaded anonymity, was seen gathering phone accessories such as AirPods, earphones, chargers and phone cases buried beneath the soil and not completely destroyed by the fire.

He said he intended to clean the items and sell them by the roadside to make some income.

The scavenger appealed for the speedy rebuilding of the area to enable affected traders to resume their businesses.

The fire, which occurred on Tuesday around 1000 hours, gutted more than 50 makeshift shops and wooden structures, sending thick black smoke into the sky and causing panic within the busy transport enclave.

Although no casualties were recorded, the fire destroyed kiosks stocked with goods including gas cylinders and electrical appliances, which intensified the blaze.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.