The Member of Parliament-elect for the Abuakwa South constituency in the Eastern Region, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has called on the government to take immediate responsibility for the reconstruction of the Kantamanto market in Accra’s central business district.
His appeal follows a devastating fire on January 2, 2025 that destroyed the market.
Media reports indicate that traders affected by the blaze have already begun rebuilding efforts, relying on their own technical expertise.
However, addressing journalists shortly after his registration as an MP in Parliament, Dr. Agyemang emphasised the need for a government-led reconstruction to ensure adherence to proper safety and structural standards.
“I understand they have started reconstructing the market themselves, and I strongly oppose this approach. We cannot continue to repeat the mistakes of the past and expect different outcomes. The reconstruction of Kantamanto must be a government-led initiative,” he stated.
Dr. Agyemang stressed that the new market design must incorporate sound engineering principles to reduce the risk of similar disasters in the future.
“Rebuilding the market in the same manner as before would be a grave mistake. The new structures must be professionally designed and constructed to address the vulnerabilities that contributed to this tragedy,” he added.
While expressing profound sympathy for the affected traders and acknowledging their urgent need to resume work, Dr. Agyemang insisted that the right approach was essential to avoid a recurrence of such disasters.
“As much as I empathize with their plight, it is imperative that the government takes full charge of this process,” he reiterated.
He also advocated for the integration of an insurance framework into the reconstruction efforts.
Dr. Agyemang highlighted the importance of adhering to the Insurance Act, Act 1061 of 2021, which mandates that all commercial buildings must be insured.
“Insurance must be a fundamental component of the new market. This is not merely a suggestion but a legal requirement of significant consequence. The act ensures that traders and their investments are protected while fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness against unforeseen events,” he explained.
The Kantamanto fire, which occurred in the early hours of the new year, destroyed over 30,000 businesses and tragically claimed one life. The market, renowned as a hub for second-hand clothing, attracts thousands of traders and buyers daily.
Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service suggest faulty electrical wiring or possible arson as the likely cause of the blaze.
Meanwhile, a separate fire incident was reported at the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi, where over 130 stalls were destroyed.
In a related development, the Gbese Stool, under the leadership of Paramount Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II, has cautioned against the erection of wooden structures on the Kantamanto land, asserting that the government does not own the property.
Fire outbreaks remain a perennial challenge during Ghana’s dry season, with markets and rural areas particularly vulnerable to such disasters.
Kantamanto Inferno:
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 6, 2025
Member of Parliament-elect for Abuakwa South, Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, has called on the government to reconstruct the Kantamanto market and insure traders' businesses. He says temporary structures being erected by traders do not offer protection from future fire… pic.twitter.com/eVzJxocqUa
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