The Member of Parliament for Nsuta Kwaman Beposo Constituency, Hon. Adelaide Ntim, has extended support to traders affected by the devastating fire that ravaged the Kantamanto Market on January 2, 2025.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of a Tuesday morning, destroyed over 500 shops in one of Africa’s largest second-hand clothing hubs, leaving traders with significant losses.
During her visit to the market on January 11, 2025, Hon. Ntim donated GHC50,000 to over 100 traders from her constituency who were impacted by the fire.
The donation was aimed at helping the victims revamp their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods. She also pledged to provide additional support in the near future to ensure they fully recover from the incident.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ntim expressed her empathy for the victims. “This fire has brought untold hardship to many families, and as a leader, it is my responsibility to stand with my people in difficult times like this. I promise to continue offering my support until they are able to recover fully,” she said.
Mr. Adjei Amponsah, popularly known as Alaska, the Chairman of the Nsuta Kwaman Beposo traders in Kantamanto, expressed gratitude for the swift intervention by the MP.
“We are deeply thankful to Hon. Adelaide Ntim for responding quickly to our call for help. This support means a lot to us, and we assure her of our continued cooperation whenever needed,” he stated.
The traders also appealed to the government to expedite efforts to restore their livelihoods. “Kantamanto is not just a market; it is the backbone of Ghana’s informal economy. Thousands of families depend on this place for survival, and we need urgent assistance to get back on our feet,” Alaska added.
The fire incident has reignited calls for improved safety measures in markets across the country. For the affected traders, Hon. Ntim’s timely support serves as a glimmer of hope as they work towards rebuilding their businesses and lives.
Nana Yaw Owusu