KOD Shows Sympathy to Bluelight Fire Victims… Cautions KMA Against Intimidation

Former NUGS President and Chief Executive Officer of the Keen On Development (KOD) Foundation, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel, on Thursday led members of his organization to visit the Bluelight Market arena, which was recently ravaged by fire.

The visit by the Foundation’s CEO and his team was to enable them to witness firsthand the current state of the market and understand how traders were coping with the aftermath.

Touring the area alongside market leaders after being warmly welcomed, Mr. Kyeremeh, popularly known as KOD, inspected the site with his delegation.

He occasionally paused to greet traders who had set up tents and parasols to sell their remaining goods, encouraging them to remain hopeful and trust in God for a turnaround in their circumstances.

Address:

Addressing the trader unions and the media, Mr. Kyeremeh, a native of Kwabre East, extended his condolences to victims of the dawn inferno, stating that his Foundation shares in their grief.

He urged the traders to remain hopeful and assured them of the Foundation’s support in any way possible.

On behalf of the Foundation, Mr. Kyeremeh donated 50 bags of cement and an amount of GHC10,000.00 to aid in the reconstruction of the market.

“I came here today to show that as a former student leader, the youth of this country stand behind you. It is through your trading activities that many of us were able to attend school and acquire knowledge. We are, therefore, presenting 50 bags of cement and GHC10,000.00 to support you in your reconstruction efforts,” KOD stated.

Appreciation:

Expressing appreciation, Mr. Bobie Ansah, Leader of the United Traders Association of Bluelight, thanked the former NUGS President for the kind gesture.

He also commended the KOD Foundation for their thoughtful donation and show of care.

Mr. Bobie Ansah, however, appealed to other private and public organizations to come to their aid, as many traders had lost their livelihoods.

“We, the United Traders Association of Bluelight, are grateful to KOD and his Foundation for their empathy and kindness. We are comforted knowing that the youth of Ghana stand ready to support us every step of the way,” he said.

Security Situation:

Meanwhile, Mr. Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel called on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to adopt a more collaborative approach with the trader unions rather than relying on brute force, in order to facilitate rebuilding efforts.

Joined by executives from the Kwabre East NPP Constituency—including Secretary Mr. Anyamesem and Youth Organizer Silas Gyasi—Mr. Kyeremeh expressed concern over the heavy presence of police and military personnel at the market during his visit.

He emphasized that such an intimidating environment was unnecessary and troubling, especially since most of the traders were women and elderly individuals.

“Some of us were educated by parents who traded here, so it is disheartening for the KMA to create this intimidating atmosphere with security forces all over, when all the traders want is to sell in peace,” Mr. Kyeremeh cautioned.

Story by Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi