Dr Kwabena Duffuor
A former Finance Minister and NDC flagbearer hopeful, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, has commiserated with traders who were affected by a fire outbreak at the Kejetia Central Market, last week.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show, Dr Duffuor said the incident was a very unfortunate one.
He indicated his connection with the Kejetia Market project as it is one of the last projects he worked on during the administration of the Late Prof. Mills.
“The Kejetia Market is very dear to my heart because it is one of the last projects, I worked on under the Late Prof Mills,” Dr Duffuor said.
The aspiring NDC Leader called on the government to immediately provide the needed support for the affected traders. Dr Duffuor also called on the Mayor of Kumasi and the management of the market to take all necessary steps to protect lives and properties.
Shut down
Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Kumasi City Markets Limited (KCML), E. K. Duffuor Addae, has announced that the Kejetia Market has been shut down until today to allow the management of the facility to assess the damage caused by last Wednesday’s fire and put safety measures in place.
Over 30 shops were burnt in the fire incident, destroying items worth millions of Ghana cedis.
He said the decision was taken following a recommendation by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, and in consultation with the leadership of the traders.
The market was, however, opened on Thursday March 16 for half of the day to enable those with perishable goods, such as vegetables, meat and fresh fish, to have access to their goods.
In all, Mr Addae said, 50 shops were affected, but, directly, 30 shops were destroyed by the fire.
According to him, the fire started around 4:30 p.m. and it took about two hours for the fire team to bring the blaze under control. He said the area where the fire occurred had 579 shops.
He said although the management knew where the fire started, they were unable to tell the cause and said they would leave that to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
