A/R: Prez Mahama Rushes GHC100k Aid to Suame Post Office Market Fire Victims

President John Dramani Mahama has provided emergency relief of GHC100,000 to traders who lost their shops and goods in the devastating fire at the Suame Post Office Market in Kumasi.

The cash support, delivered on his behalf by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene on Wednesday, is intended to cushion victims as they struggle to recover from the tragedy.

The blaze, which erupted around midnight on Tuesday, swept through the market and reduced property worth millions of cedis to ashes. Exploding gas cylinders reportedly fueled the flames, spreading destruction across the busy trading hub.

According to figures from the Ghana National Fire Service, 25 of the 44 shops in the market were affected, while 192 sheds were completely destroyed. Although no deaths were recorded, traders helplessly watched as years of investment vanished in a matter of hours.

Some residents rushed to break into shops to save goods before the fire spread, but their efforts were limited. Victims have also alleged that firefighters arrived late, by which time large sections of the market had already been razed.

The fire service has since launched investigations to establish the cause of the disaster, even as displaced traders count their losses and await further support.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso