The John Mahama government has been urged to set up an emergency support fund for victims of the inferno that consumed parts of the Kantamanto market in Accra.

In a joint statement, the Accra Markets Association (GAMA), the Union of Informal Workers Association of Ghana (UNIWA), and the Informal Hawkers and Vendors Association of Ghana appealed to the government to come to the aid of the traders.

The groups noted that government support is crucial in alleviating the burden on the victims whose wares were destroyed by the fire that engulfed the popular market on January 2, 2025.

“GAMA, UNIWA, and IHVAG call on the current government in power and the incoming government to immediately put in place an emergency support scheme to aid affected traders and help them recover from the sudden economic shock they have been plunged into,” part of the statement reads.

The groups also called for comprehensive and expeditious investigations into the incident, noting that urgent steps needed to be taken to address future occurrences.

“GAMA, UNIWA, and IHVAG further call on National Security and the National Fire Service of Ghana to prioritize speedy investigations into the incident to unravel the cause of the fire outbreak, especially because this is not the first time the Kantamanto market has suffered a fire outbreak. We believe that knowledge of the cause will help find a long-term solution to this recurring problem.”

The groups expressed sympathies with victims of the inferno and promised to assist them as they face major setbacks in their lives.

They appealed to religious groups, civil society, and religious organizations to come to the aid of the traders.

“We also extend equal sympathies to our brothers and sisters from other African countries who found income-earning jobs at Kantamanto market. We share your grief in this tragedy.

“GAMA, UNIWA, and IHVAG again call on other stakeholders, civil society, and religious organizations to extend some support to the affected traders in this crucial period. We strongly believe that such a show of practical solidarity will help assuage the pain affected traders are going through now,” parts of the statement read.



EK