The former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and NPP 2024 Presidential Aspirant, Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has expressed profound sorrow over the losses suffered by traders and their families following the Kumasi Adum Pz market fire outbreak.
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Kwaku Amoh-Darteh, Esq., Hon. Agyapong lamented the heartbreaking setback, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive fire prevention measures to curb the recurrent market infernos plaguing Ghana.
Hon. Agyapong, known for his deep engagement in Ghana’s business community, empathized with the victims, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices entrepreneurs make to build sustainable businesses.
“As a businessman, I understand the immense effort required to build a business—the long hours, the sacrifices, and the hopes for a better future. To see it all taken away in an instant is painful beyond words. I feel your pain and share in your frustration.”.
Kwaku Amoh-Darteh, Esq., the Spokesperson
Beyond expressing solidarity with the affected traders, Hon. Agyapong issued a clarion call for immediate and long-term solutions to Ghana’s persistent market fires.
He urged the Ghana National Fire Service, the Police, and other relevant state security agencies to work collaboratively to address the underlying causes of such disasters.
“Market fires have become too frequent in our country, and it is time to take real action. We need safer markets, better emergency access, and reliable fire prevention systems. Protecting our traders means protecting Ghana’s future”.
Kwaku Amoh-Darteh, Esq., the Spokesperson
Support for Victims
Despite being out of the country at the time of the incident, Hon. Agyapong has taken swift action by dispatching a team to Adum to assess the damage and extend support to those affected.
He also assured traders that he would personally visit the scene upon his return to engage with victims and discuss concrete steps towards recovery and resilience.
‘To the steadfast people of Kejetia, Adum, Dr. Mensah, and Roman Hill-do not lose hope. Ghana is strong because of its people, and together, we will rebuild. Let us unite, support one another, and work to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Kwaku Amoh-Darteh, Esq., the Spokesperson
The inferno, which swept through multiple shops in one of Kumasi’s busiest commercial hubs on the dawn of Friday, March 21, 2025, has left many traders in despair, their businesses and livelihoods reduced to ashes.
Fire outbreaks in Ghanaian markets are often attributed to electrical faults, improper waste disposal, and inadequate fire response mechanisms.
However, implementing preventive policies and enforcing strict safety regulations remain major challenges.
Many traders and analysts argue that the government must prioritize fire safety infrastructure, enforce market planning regulations, and provide training for traders on fire prevention practices.
In the aftermath of the Adum fire, affected traders and families are grappling with immense financial losses.
Many are calling on the government, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to extend support to those who have lost their businesses.
Additionally, there is increasing pressure on the regional and various local authorities to ensure that market structures are equipped with fire extinguishers, functional hydrants, and proper electrical installations.
The former Member of Parliament for Assin Central’s statement underscore the necessity for both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies to enhance market safety nationwide.
