President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed his condolences and support for the traders who lost their shops and livelihood in the devastating fire that engulfed the Kantamanto market in Central Accra on January 2, 2024. In his final State of the Nation Address in parliament, the president stated that he was deeply disturbed by the unfortunate incident and extended his sympathy to those affected.
“I want to put on record that I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire at the Kantamanto Market yesterday that has left many traders and their livelihoods in ruins. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected and I extend heartfelt sympathies to the hardworking traders who have lost their goods and investments,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The president assured the affected traders that the government will work with relevant agencies to ascertain the causes of the fire and provide the necessary support. He called on all Ghanaians to come together in compassion and solidarity to help those who have suffered losses during this challenging time.
The fire, which broke out at 1 am on Thursday, ravaged the vibrant Kantamanto market despite efforts by the Ghana National Fire Service to contain it. The market, known for its bustling activity and vibrant atmosphere, was reduced to ashes as traders watched helplessly.
In the aftermath of the fire, traders sifted through the charred remains of their stalls, hoping to salvage anything of value. Many of them had invested their life savings into their businesses, making the loss even more devastating.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the fire, the government has pledged to investigate the causes of the disaster and implement policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. President Akufo-Addo urged unity and solidarity among Ghanaians to support the impacted traders through this challenging period.
The rebuilding process will undoubtedly be a long and arduous one, but with the collective effort of the government, relevant agencies, and the community, the traders of Kantamanto will hopefully be able to recover and rebuild their businesses.
