Kantamanto Fire Victims Receive Presidential Support as Mahama Pledges Enhanced Market Security
President Mahama announces immediate relief and long-term solutions to prevent future market disasters
- Night patrols and surveillance to deter arsonists and ensure safety
- Fire tenders stationed near markets for faster intervention during outbreaks
- Rebuilding Kantamanto with improved safety features, giving traders back their spaces
President John Dramani Mahama has met with victims of the recent Kantamanto market fire to discuss relief efforts and outline measures aimed at preventing future disasters.
The meeting, which took place today 13th January, 2025 in Accra, gathered market leaders, representatives, and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, President Mahama expressed his condolences to the affected traders and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing both immediate assistance and long-term solutions.
He introduced several key initiatives aimed at enhancing security and improving fire response at markets nationwide.
Key Directives to Enhance Market Safety:
- Stronger Nighttime Security
President Mahama has instructed National Security to increase patrols in major markets, particularly during the night. “The fires tend to occur at night, raising suspicions of deliberate acts,” he remarked. - Strategic Fire Tender Deployment
The Ghana National Fire Service will station fire tenders near major markets to ensure a faster response during fires, preventing widespread damage. - CCTV Surveillance in Major Markets
Plans to install CCTV cameras at key locations in markets will aid in monitoring activities and identifying potential arsonists. - Reconstruction of Markets to Higher Standards
President Mahama emphasized the opportunity for rebuilding the Kantamanto market with improved safety features, assuring traders that they will be able to reclaim their spaces once reconstruction is complete.
He reassured traders that the government would do everything possible to prevent displacements and mitigate the impact of the fire. These measures come in response to a series of market fires across Ghana, including recent incidents in Techiman and Tamale. The government’s proactive approach is seen as a critical step in addressing these growing concerns over market safety.
