The Kumasi Central Market Fire

- Of Rain, Our Brain and The Bane

By Isaac Karikari (bkkarikari@yahoo.com)

Rumours have been rife

As to the cause of the fire

Some have talked of “parazone”

But the “experts”, an electrical fault.

Though the real cause seems unclear

See how it’s brought life to a halt.

A day after the fire,

Then came the rain

Though a heavy pour

It wasn’t enough to ease the pain

Some wailed

Till they ailed

Not just for goods lost,

The great loss and the great cost,

But they had lost their arms.

Yes, the flames had gutted their charms.

Now it is over a week

And still some remain lame

Having been left so by the flames.

They await the government’s bail

A promise they hope will not fail.

I know this people and the meanings they ascribe to things.

I have heard them murmur,

They want something real, something solid.

The talk of a committee makes it seem like,

They will only be given some tea.

I have heard the Radio people talk

And the TV and Paper people too,

With audios and videos of the incident.

I only hope it will all not be in vain.

Too much talk has always been a bane.

As the fire raged

It seemed we were only getting our wages.

Were the fires our dues

For some wrong(s) done,

That we weren’t even spared so

We prayed and waited for rain,

But that was when we had realised, and so had the fire tenders

That those flames weren’t so tender.

But there was a delay.

The rain was late by a day.

I guess some wondered what was up with God.

And I’m sure He also wondered what was up with us.

Hadn’t He given us enough rain already?

Yes, rain in our brain.

So why bother Him now.

Our failure to tap the rain in our brain

Is also a bane.

The greatest I think.

N.B: I only hope the Government and all concerned will speed up work on the reconstruction of the Central Market in Kumasi. The gutting of a section of the market by fire shouldn’t be seen as the problem of a few, it is actually a national tragedy considering the socioeconomic implications on the livelihood of those directly affected and the nation as a whole.