Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has extended a generous hand to traders who lost their businesses in the recent devastating fire outbreak at Adum, Kumasi. He donated GH¢200,000 in cash and 1,000 bags of cement to assist them in rebuilding their shops and restoring their livelihoods.
The fire, which occurred on Friday, March 24, engulfed several shops and stalls in the busy commercial hub of Kumasi, leading to massive losses. The destruction left traders devastated, as millions of Ghana cedis worth of goods were reduced to ashes.
On Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Bawumia visited the scene of the disaster to assess the extent of the damage and offer his sympathies to the affected business owners. During his visit, he acknowledged the difficulties traders were facing and stressed the importance of collective support to help them recover.
“I am donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to the victims, and I urge private individuals and organizations to also contribute to helping the traders get back on their feet,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia’s visit brought a glimmer of hope to the affected traders, many of whom had lost their entire stock and were struggling to figure out how to start over. His intervention is expected to provide immediate relief by helping some shop owners begin reconstructing their businesses.
A Tragic Night for Adum Traders
The fire outbreak at Adum shocked many in Kumasi, as the busy trading area is known for its high commercial activity. According to eyewitness reports, the fire started late at night, spreading rapidly and engulfing shops before firefighters could contain it.
Several traders who spoke about the incident described the loss as devastating. A fabric seller, who had operated her shop in the area for over a decade, recounted how she helplessly watched everything she had worked for consumed by the flames.
“I don’t even know where to start from. I have lost goods worth thousands of cedis. This shop was my only source of livelihood,” she lamented.
Other affected traders expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the financial burden the incident had placed on them. Many had taken loans to stock their shops and were now left with no means to repay their debts.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made it difficult to bring the fire under control in time. Preliminary investigations suggested that an electrical fault might have triggered the inferno, but a full report is yet to be released.
Call for Support
Beyond his donation, Dr. Bawumia used the opportunity to encourage both the government and the private sector to step in and assist the victims. He emphasized that the affected traders needed urgent help to rebuild their businesses and regain their economic stability.
“This is not just about one or two traders. A whole business district has been affected, and these traders play a critical role in our economy. We need to come together as a country and support them,” he urged.
His appeal resonated with many Ghanaians, with some business owners and philanthropists pledging to contribute towards the relief efforts. Several civil society organizations have also expressed their willingness to mobilize resources to support the affected traders.
Local banks and microfinance institutions have been encouraged to provide flexible loan options to affected business owners to help them restock their shops and revive their enterprises. Financial experts have advised traders to explore insurance options to protect their businesses against such unforeseen disasters in the future.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
With the GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement donation from Dr. Bawumia, many traders are hopeful that they will be able to rebuild their shops and restart their businesses. The assistance is expected to cover part of the reconstruction costs, but additional support will be needed to ensure that every affected trader gets the necessary help.
Some local contractors have already volunteered to provide services at discounted rates to speed up the rebuilding process. The affected traders have also started forming groups to collectively seek further assistance from government agencies and corporate organizations.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, who accompanied Dr. Bawumia on his visit, assured the traders of the government’s commitment to helping them recover. He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with relevant agencies to explore ways to provide additional support.
“We will not leave you to struggle alone. The government is working with various stakeholders to find solutions that will bring lasting relief to those affected,” he stated.
Authorities in Kumasi have also pledged to work on improving market infrastructure to prevent similar disasters in the future. Plans are being discussed to introduce fire-resistant building materials in market structures and establish a dedicated fire response team for commercial areas.
Lessons from the Tragedy
The Adum fire has once again raised concerns about fire safety in Ghana’s major business districts. Many market fires have occurred in recent years, causing significant losses to traders and the economy at large.
Experts have advised shop owners to prioritize fire safety measures, including installing fire extinguishers, avoiding overloading electrical sockets, and ensuring regular maintenance of electrical wiring in market spaces. The Ghana National Fire Service has also been urged to intensify public education on fire prevention to minimize future occurrences.
Meanwhile, city authorities are considering measures to enhance fire preparedness in Kumasi and other commercial areas. Plans are underway to improve access routes for fire trucks and ensure that markets are equipped with fire hydrants and emergency exits.
Additionally, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called on its members to enroll in fire safety training programs to learn best practices for preventing and managing fire incidents. The association has also appealed to the government to enforce strict fire safety regulations in all commercial areas to reduce the risk of future disasters.
Hope for a New Beginning
Despite the devastation caused by the fire, there is renewed hope among the affected traders, thanks to the timely intervention of Dr. Bawumia. His donation and call for support have inspired many to contribute to the rebuilding efforts, demonstrating the power of unity in times of crisis.
As the reconstruction process begins, traders remain optimistic that with continued support from the government and the private sector, they will be able to overcome this setback and restore their businesses.
For now, the priority remains on mobilizing resources and ensuring that those who lost their livelihoods can bounce back stronger. With collective effort and generosity from well-meaning individuals, Adum’s business district can rise again, serving as a symbol of resilience and determination.
