Kumasi market fire victims reject food aid, demand urgent rebuilding efforts

Traders affected by the devastating fire at the Adum PZ market in Kumasi have refused food aid from Interior Minister and Asawase MP, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, stating that their immediate concern is restoring their businesses, not temporary relief items.

The March 21 blaze wiped out numerous shops, leaving many business owners with significant losses. When Minister Muntaka visited the scene with trucks carrying rice, cooking oil, and soap, his attempt at support was met with frustration. Traders, who had been counting on government intervention to rebuild the market, made it clear that food donations were not what they needed.

“We have lost everything, how will rice and oil bring back our businesses?” one affected shop owner lamented. Some traders, visibly upset, questioned whether authorities had a concrete plan to help them recover. Many fear that if the market is rebuilt without proper consultation, they may be permanently displaced. Their demand is, guaranteed access to their shops once reconstruction is completed.

This situation highlights a recurring challenge in post-disaster response, whether immediate relief measures align with the actual needs of affected communities. While food donations provide short-term assistance, the traders insist that sustainable recovery efforts, such as financial support and infrastructure reconstruction, should be the priority.

By: Linda Akite