President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Central Business District of Adum in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, to assess the aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed hundreds of shops.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21, left traders distraught as they scrambled to salvage their goods amidst the chaos.
During his visit, Mahama interacted with affected traders, expressing his sympathy and pledging his support. He emphasized the need for swift action to assist those who have lost their livelihoods and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
However, he also cautioned traders against cooking in the market, pointing out that the use of gas cylinders was a contributing factor to the incident.
The fire, which started early Friday morning and quickly spread through the market, was fueled by flammable materials stored in the shops. Firefighters faced significant challenges in containing the blaze due to obstructed access routes and delayed response times. Some traders blamed the incident on ongoing power outages, which they believe may have contributed to the fire.
President Mahama’s visit was met with gratitude and cheers from the affected traders, who appreciated his concern and support during this difficult time.