Victims of the devastating Adum PZ market fire in Kumasi have emphatically rejected food donations from the Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, demanding long-term solutions to rebuild their livelihoods instead of temporary relief.
The fire, which erupted on March 21, razed numerous shops, leaving hundreds of traders grappling with immense losses. Many of them are now in dire need of financial assistance and infrastructural rebuilding to restart their businesses.
In an effort to offer support, Muntaka visited the site with a convoy of relief items, including 1,500 bags of rice, 8,000 boxes of cooking oil, and soap. Describing the gesture as a demonstration of solidarity, he urged the traders to accept the donations. However, his goodwill was met with anger and frustration.
Videos circulating on social media captured an emotional scene as traders openly jeered at the minister, voicing their discontent and accusing authorities of ignoring the pressing need for market reconstruction.
“We don’t need rice; we need our shops back!” one trader yelled, echoing the sentiments of many who argued that food donations are inadequate in addressing the depth of their economic despair.
Others pointed out that without their shops and a functioning marketplace, any form of food relief would be unsustainable. “We need our market rebuilt so we can work and feed ourselves. Food donations won’t fix our problem,” another trader lamented.
Beyond the immediate call for reconstruction, traders expressed fears of potential eviction from the market site. They urged the government to prioritize rebuilding the market while ensuring their rights to return to their stalls once redevelopment is complete.
The incident underscores a broader challenge in disaster management, where short-term aid often falls short of addressing long-term needs. For the Adum market traders, the priority is clear: rebuild the market, restore their businesses, and safeguard their livelihoods.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
