Victims of the recent fire outbreak at the Anwona Market in the Kumasi Metropolis have warned they will resist any attempt by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to redevelop the market, amid fears that the process could displace original traders.
The traders argue that if the market is rebuilt through a private contractor, rental and user charges would be beyond the reach of existing tenants. They also suspect that the fire may have been deliberately set to pave the way for redevelopment of the market against their will.
The fire, which occurred on Monday night near Afful Nkwanta, destroyed more than 400 shops and caused losses estimated to run into millions of cedis.
The incident came barely 24 hours after another fire outbreak at Sofoline, which destroyed 26 vehicle mechanic shops and 39 vehicles. In just one week, Kumasi has recorded three major fire incidents, raising concerns among residents and authorities.
Although the cause of the Anwona Market fire has not yet been officially determined, some victims insist it was the result of arson. One of the affected traders, popularly known as Big Man, said he believes the fire was deliberately set.
However, the Kumasi Metropolitan Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Godwin Dela Larho, dismissed the arson claims, explaining that investigations were still ongoing and urging the public not to speculate.
Among those affected is Daakyehene, a shoemaker who lost three fully equipped shops, including shoe-making machines and large quantities of leather materials. Another victim, Madam Esther Takye, who lost two shops, appealed to government for financial and logistical support to enable her and other traders to restart their businesses.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kumasi has directed NADMO to assess the extent of damage caused by the fire in order to facilitate immediate government assistance to the victims.
Despite this assurance, leaders of the affected traders say they will oppose any redevelopment effort by the KMA unless their concerns are addressed.
Isaac Addai, who spoke on behalf of the traders, said they would not accept any redevelopment plan that sidelines original tenants or imposes unaffordable costs.
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Source: Kumasi Mail
