Bryan Acheampong Pledges to Rebuild Adum Market Within 12 Months, Donates GHS 300,000 to Affected Traders

Adum, Kumasi – In a major show of support for victims of the recent Adum market fire, Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has donated GHS 300,000 to traders affected by the devastating blaze.

The donation was made during a visit to the charred remains of the market on April 22, 2025.

Acheampong, who is also a businessman, acknowledged the profound financial losses suffered by traders, many of whom lost their life savings and merchandise in the fire.

“I know the pain of losing an investment because I’m a businessman myself,” he stated. “This donation is for the most affected traders to help them begin to rebuild their lives.”

The MP also announced an ambitious plan to reconstruct the market within a year, provided he receives the necessary approvals from key authorities.

He revealed that he would formally present the proposal to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, upon his return from travel.

If the Asantehene grants his blessing—and with the endorsement of the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)—Acheampong said the project would commence immediately.

“I’ve heard the concerns of traders who fear they won’t have access to the new stores if government takes over the rebuilding. If Otumfuo permits, I will build a new, improved market that prioritizes those who lost everything here,” he emphasized.

Acheampong also took the opportunity to encourage other philanthropists to continue supporting victims. “My initiative shouldn’t deter others. This is a collective effort, and any contribution will go a long way,” he said.

In a separate gesture of solidarity, he also donated GHS 500,000 to support victims of the recent Kantamanto fire, underlining his commitment to aiding affected trader communities across the country.

Chairman of the United Traders Association, Joseph Bobie Ansah, praised Acheampong’s intervention, calling it a “timely and compassionate gesture” that brings hope to hundreds of devastated families.

Background: The Adum Fire

The Adum Market fire, which broke out earlier this month, engulfed dozens of shops in one of Kumasi’s busiest commercial centers. The cause of the inferno is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that faulty electrical wiring may have sparked the blaze.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as traders attempted to salvage their goods, with many forced to watch helplessly as flames consumed years of hard work.

The disaster has reignited conversations about market safety and infrastructure development, with many calling for urgent reforms to prevent future occurrences.

Acheampong’s pledge offers a glimmer of hope as affected traders look toward rebuilding their livelihoods.