Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South in Ghana’s Eastern region, has urged the government to take immediate action following the fire that destroyed the Katamanto market in Accra. The fire, which occurred on January 1, 2025, led to significant damage, destroying over 30,000 businesses and tragically claiming one life. While traders affected by the fire have started rebuilding their stalls using their own skills, Dr. Agyeman strongly believes that the reconstruction should be managed by the government, not the traders. He emphasized that the current approach to rebuilding the market will only lead to more of the same problems, including future fires. According to the MP-elect, the government must ensure that any reconstruction meets proper engineering standards and is carried out in a way that prevents similar disasters from happening again.
Dr. Agyeman’s call for government-led reconstruction is grounded in the need for long-term safety and structural integrity. He mentioned that while he sympathized with the traders and recognized their desire to resume their businesses as quickly as possible, it was crucial that the reconstruction be done in a way that prioritizes safety and durability. The fire has exposed the vulnerability of market structures in Ghana, especially those in densely populated areas. Dr. Agyeman also pointed out that insurance should be included in the plans for the reconstruction, to better protect traders and the market from future fires and other unforeseen incidents.
The fire at Katamanto, a popular clothing market in Accra’s central business district, is a reminder of the dangers that markets face, particularly during Ghana’s dry season. Similar fires have occurred in other regions, such as the Kwadaso wood market in Kumasi, where over 130 stalls were destroyed. Local authorities, including the Ghana Fire Service, have initiated investigations into the cause of the Katamanto fire, with faulty electrical wiring or potential arson being suspected. In addition, the Gbese Stool, which oversees the land on which Katamanto market sits, has warned against constructing wooden structures in the area, highlighting that the government does not own the property. Dr. Agyeman’s call for government intervention in the reconstruction of Katamanto market is not just a plea for the safety of traders but a demand for a systematic approach to building safer markets across the country.
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