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Government Must Rebuild Kantmanto Market, Not Traders – Abuakwa South MP-Elect

The Member of Parliament-elect for the Abuakwa South constituency in the Eastern region, Dr Kingsley Agyeman, has called on the government to intervene immediately and consider the reconstruction of the Katamanto market in Accra’s central business district, following Thursday’s fire outbreak.

Joy News understands that the traders affected by the fire have already begun rebuilding the market stalls and pavilions using their technical expertise.

However, speaking to journalists shortly after MPs’ registration in Parliament, Dr Agyeman stressed that the reconstruction should be government-led to ensure proper standards and safety.

“I hear they are reconstructing the market, and I strongly oppose that. We can’t continue to do the same things over and over again and expect different results. The reconstruction must be handled by the government,” he stated.

He further emphasized that the new market should feature properly engineered structures, noting, “We can’t continue to rebuild the market in the same way that led to the fire.”

Although the MP expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged their need to work for their survival, he insisted that the right approach must be taken to prevent future disasters.

“As much as I sympathize with them and understand their plight, the government must take charge of the reconstruction,” he added.

Dr. Agyeman also emphasized how crucial market insurance is to the reconstruction process.

Hours into the new year, the Katamanto fire damaged more than 30,000 businesses and claimed one life. Every day, thousands of Ghanaians come to trade in this well-known Accra garment market.

The event is being investigated by the Ghana Fire Service, which believes that arson or defective electrical wiring caused the fire.

Over 130 stalls were burned in a similar incident that was reported at Kumasi’s Kwadaso wood market.

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