Kwahuhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III has donated towards the redevelopment of Kantamanto, the largest second-hand clothes and commercial trading hub in the country.
The donation, according to Akyemfour Asiedu who spoke to Republic Press forms part of the Newly installed Kwahuhene’s rejuvenation drive to uplift the fallen image of Kwahu.
Presenting the donation on behalf of Kwahune was the Kwahu Adonten Hene and Abetifihene Nana Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, who admonished the traders to make proper use and account for every donation received.
He extended the Okwahuhene’s heartfelt discomfort about the fire incident that swept off the entire Kantamanto.
“I extend greetings from Okwahuhene’s palace in Abene. Most often, we hear of issues of fire at Kantamanto and this is not the first. And we’re aware that when such incidents occur, almost all the traders lose their money and properties.
Kantamanto has been a place for every other Ghanaian to engage in commercial trade and kwahus are no exception. In fact, Kwahus are the most indigenous people engaging in commercial trade here in Kantamanto.
However, we are here today to represent the Kwahuhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III who has instructed us to make this donation towards the redevelopment.
We’re here to present a token of Gh¢200,000 to support our people”, Akyemfour Asiedu stated.
Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III further called on the government to initiate emergency funds to support the redevelopment and operations of the place.
“We’re calling on the government to support our people. They need help. Kantamanto has been a great source of employment for our people. This place has also reduced the rate of unemployment in the country, therefore, the government must be able to support affected people in this hard time.
We’re also urging those of you operating in this place to institute adequate measures to curb the rampant and incessant fire outbreaks. We’re urging you to do so if you haven’t. This place has been a livelihood venture for most of you and you cannot have this place in flames most times”, he added.
The leader of the Kantamanto traders, Oscar and the chairman of the Redevelopment Committee, Mr. Aikins Boakye Mensah expressed their gratitude to the Kwahuhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and his sub-Chiefs for the gesture presented.
“We’re very grateful to Kwahuhene and his traditional leaders. They feel our pain because they have their indigenous people amongst us. Kwahus are the most people involved in this trade. Kwahune has not been selective, today he’s here to support all of us for the redevelopment of Kantamanto.
We’re also assuring them that the committee will make proper use of the funds presented and we will provide accounts of every money spent”,
The devastating fire that engulfed Kantamanto Market in Accra’s Central Business District claimed one life and left 14 others seriously injured.
The blaze, which started at dawn on Thursday, January 2, ravaged large sections of the market, affecting over 30,000 traders and destroying more than 7,000 shops.
Efforts to combat the fire were hampered by water shortages and logistical challenges, which prolonged the damage
