By Alex Ababio
Kumasi, March 25, 2025 – Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has extended a helping hand to traders affected by the devastating fire that tore through the Adum business district, donating GH₵200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to aid their recovery.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 21, 2025, engulfed multiple shops reducing them to rubble, destroying merchandise worth millions of Ghana cedis. The incident has left many traders in distress as they struggle to rebuild their businesses.
Visiting the scene on Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Bawumia expressed his sympathies to those affected and called on individuals and private businesses to step in and offer support.
“I am donating GH₵200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to the victims, and I urge private individuals to also support the traders in getting their livelihoods back,” he stated.
He further urged patience as investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) continue to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We have to wait on the investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service and then we can determine the cause of the fire so that next time we can prevent it,” he noted.
Dr. Bawumia also emphasized the importance of completing the Kejetia Central Market Phase II project, which he believes will provide a safer and more conducive business environment for traders.
“We believe that when it is completed, it will greatly benefit the traders here,” he said.
Acknowledging the swift response of firefighters, he commended their efforts while expressing concern over reports that two officers had been hospitalized due to the incident.
“I heard about two fire personnel who have been admitted to the hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by the former Ashanti regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, along with other party officials.