Hon Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has assured victims of the Amakom Market fire disaster of the government’s readiness to relieve their plight.
The market, popularly known as Anlo Market, was gutted by a fire around 9:30 pm on Monday, January 26.
While victims are counting their losses, the Ashanti Regional Minister led a delegation, including the Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Michael Owusu Amoako, Kumasi Metro Coordinating Director, Mr. Francis Dwira Darko, and some security officers, to assess the damage and commiserate with victims.
The Minister was not told the cause of the fire when he visited the market on Tuesday, January 27.
An estimated 350 shops were razed by the fire.
The National Disaster Management Organization has taken steps to identify and record the number of people affected by the destructive fire.
While investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire, Hon. Amoakohene has advised traders not to keep explosive items in markets, citing weather concerns.
He also advised developers to desist from encroaching on fire hydrants, so they can be accessible when fire officers need water to quench fires.
He called on market leaders to dialogue with city authorities to find proper ways of restoring the market.
“While you are hasty to remove debris and return to your normal business, I would plead with market leaders to cooperate with city authorities to design a suitable market,” the Minister reiterated.
Mr. Isaac Adjei, Spokesperson for the Traders Association of the market, thanked the Minister and delegation for their visit.
He assured them that, they will cooperate with security agencies and city authorities to restore the market to normalcy.
