Kumasi: Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, visited the Adum Blue Light fire disaster scene to express his sympathy to the affected traders.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Bawumia was joined by Members of Parliament, former government appointees, and leading members of the NPP. During his visit, he donated GHS200,000.00 and 1,000 bags of cement to aid the recovery efforts of the traders impacted by the fire.
The devastating fire occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025, and completely destroyed the 'Blue Light' market area in Kumasi's central business district. This incident resulted in the loss of merchandise valued at millions of Ghana cedis, rendering hundreds of traders jobless and facing significant financial losses.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, some affected traders suspect that frequent power fluctuations in the area may have contributed to the outbreak. In response, the Ashanti Regional Security Council has initiated an investigation into the tragic incident, one of the worst fire disasters in Kumasi's recent history.
President John Dramani Mahama has previously visited the victims and directed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to provide relief items. NADMO, along with the Ghana National Fire Service and other security agencies, is actively working to clear the debris to facilitate the market's reconstruction.
The government plans to clear the area for the construction of a modern market, but affected traders have expressed a desire to rebuild the market themselves. They argue that a government-led construction project might be time-consuming and could negatively impact their livelihoods. Additionally, they are concerned about the affordability of rent if the market is developed through a private entity.
Dr. Bawumia urged the traders to remain patient until the investigation reveals the cause of the disaster. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Kumasi traditional council has also visited the scene to assess the situation and report back to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
