By Alex Ababio
Over 500 traders and shop owners operating behind the Boss FM storey building in Kumasi are calling on the government, Ashanti Regional Minister, and relevant authorities to extend support to them following the recent fire outbreak at the Blue Bulb Market in Adum.
According to the affected group, although their shops were not directly touched by the flames, the aftermath of the incident and decisions by city authorities have had a devastating impact on their livelihoods. They argue that they have been sidelined in the relief efforts despite suffering significant losses.
“We feel abandoned,” said Joseph Mensah, spokesperson for the traders. “The fire didn’t burn our shops, but the construction of access routes to the Blue Bulb Market has destroyed our businesses. We are now counting losses worth millions of cedis.”
The ongoing road construction aimed at easing access for emergency services and traffic has reportedly led to the demolition of several shops and stalls in the vicinity, severely affecting businesses that had nothing to do with the original fire outbreak.
“If government fails to include us in the compensation and support being given to those directly affected, we will have no option but to stage a massive protest,” Joseph warned. “We are not asking for luxury—we’re simply asking for fairness.”
The traders are urging the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, and all donor groups to consider the extended impact of the disaster, noting that their livelihoods have been equally disrupted by the aftermath.
“We may not have been in the fire, but the fire came to us in a different way,” said another trader, Linda, . “Our shops are gone, our incomes have vanished. We deserve to be heard and helped.”
