Mahama’s first task of reset must focus on transforming Kanta into a modern clothing market - Donyina Mensah

Michael Donyinah Mensah, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), described the fire that destroyed the Kantamanto market as unfortunate but not unexpected.

He believes that traders are aware that they are at constant risk of a fire.

According to the policy analyst, one factor contributing to the area’s vulnerability is the temporary use of wood to develop the market.

He also highlighted that the market’s layout and poor demarcation make it extremely difficult for emergency services, such as the fire department, to access the location and address any outbreak effectively.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that if the current layout of the market remains unchanged, fire outbreaks will continue to occur.

"The Kantamanto problem is not a new one, but we need new solutions to address these recurrent fire outbreaks," he told host Kwabena Agyapong.

Mr. Donyinah Mensah recounted how plans were once made to develop the market into the largest clothing market in the sub-region, comparable to those in China and other countries, but these plans could not materialize.

"When we heard about this, we saw it as good news, but I don’t know why that project could not survive. Now, we have once again witnessed another fire outbreak. We know what to do. The government, along with the leadership of the traders and the Kantamanto market, knows what needs to be done. However, the reason why we have not been able to address the problem using the known solutions must be investigated," he added.

He also criticized the traders’ attempt to redevelop their burned-out stores with wood, stating, “This is the wrong approach, and I believe it is past time for the government to take immediate action to address the issue.”

According to him, while the outbreak is unfortunate, a permanent solution must be found to prevent such occurrences in the future.

"The new NDC government, with its reset agenda, must take steps to redevelop Kantamanto into a modern clothing or apparel market. We cannot allow the market’s rich history, which has made it a global brand, to be destroyed. Instead, we must redevelop it as a modern market. The government can collaborate with the private sector to achieve this goal."

Mr. Donyinah Mensah concluded, "If this government is unable to redevelop the market and allows traders to rebuild their stores with wood, I will question the credibility of the reset agenda they have promised Ghanaians. This is a test case for that agenda."

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