Afenyo-Markin Urges Mahama to Tap Contingency Funds for Adum Fire Victims as Minority MPs Donate GHC 200,000
Minority Leader Leads Call for Swift Government Intervention Following Kumasi Market Blaze
- Minority Caucus donates GH¢200,000 to support Adum PZ fire victims.
- Afenyo-Markin urges Mahama to release contingency funds for swift relief
- Bawumia, regional leaders, and MPs show strong solidarity with traders
In the wake of the devastating fire that swept through the Adum PZ area in Kumasi, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on President John Mahama to release funds from the national contingency reserves to support the affected traders.
Leading the Minority Caucus on a visit to the disaster site on Monday, April 14, 2025, Afenyo-Markin expressed deep sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial government intervention.
He noted that although Parliament was in session when the news broke, the gravity of the situation demanded immediate attention.
“We were disheartened by the extent of the damage. As a businessman, I understand the pain such disasters bring to victims,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further revealed that the Minority Caucus in Parliament had collectively donated GH¢200,000 to support the affected traders, with the funds handed over to Ashanti Regional executives for distribution.
The visit saw the presence of notable figures, including Deputy Speaker Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, Rev. John Ntim, Fordjour, Henry Nana Boakye, Chairman Wontumi and the MP for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah among others.
Afenyo-Markin commended their solidarity and the resilience of the market traders.
In addition to the minority caucus support, other political leaders have extended assistance. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia donated GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to aid in rebuilding efforts.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, announced a mobilization of GH¢600,000 in emergency relief funds, comprising a GH¢500,000 donation from a philanthropist and an additional GH¢100,000 for immediate support.
President Mahama, during his visit to the affected area, assured traders of government support and directed the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to provide immediate relief.
He also mentioned plans to engage with the Chief of Staff and the Ashanti Regional Minister to explore further financial assistance for the victims.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that these contributions mark the beginning of sustained support efforts.
He urged the government to act swiftly, stating, “Looking at the effect, government should remove money from the contingency fund immediately to alleviate the suffering of the traders.”
He expressed confidence that with committed efforts, the market could be rebuilt within a year.
