Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has extended a helping hand to traders affected by the devastating fire that swept through the Adum business district in Kumasi, donating GH₵200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to support their recovery.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21, 2025, razed several shops and destroyed goods worth millions of Ghana cedis, leaving many traders in distress.
During a visit to the scene on Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Bawumia expressed his sympathy to the victims and urged private individuals and businesses to contribute towards rebuilding efforts.
“I am donating GH₵200,000 and 1,000 bags to the victims, and I urge private individuals to also support the traders in getting their livelihoods back,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of patience as investigations into the cause of the fire continue, urging traders to allow the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to complete its probe.
“We have to wait on the investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service and then we can determine the cause of the fire so that next time we can prevent it,” he noted.
Additionally, he called on the government to expedite the completion of the Kejetia Central Market Phase II project, which he claimed was about 80% complete when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) left office.
“We believe that when it is completed, it will greatly benefit the traders here,” he said.
Commending the firefighters for their swift response to the inferno, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged reports that two personnel had been hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the operation.
“I heard about two fire personnel who have been admitted to the hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by NPP Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and other party officials.
The Adum business district, a major commercial hub in Kumasi, has witnessed multiple fire outbreaks in recent years, raising concerns over fire safety measures in crowded market areas. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage while victims appeal for further assistance.
