MP calls for government-led rebuilding of Kantamanto market
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Accra
The Member of Parliament-elect for Abuakwa South in the Eastern Region, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has urged government to take immediate action in reconstructing the Kantamanto Market in Accra’s central business district.
This appeal follows a devastating fire on Thursday, January 2, 2025, which razed the market, leaving traders in distress.
Media reports indicate that affected traders have already initiated rebuilding efforts, relying on their technical skills.
However, Dr. Agyemang, speaking to journalists after registering as an MP in Parliament, stressed the need for a government-led initiative to ensure the market is rebuilt to meet proper safety and structural standards.
“I understand they have started rebuilding the market themselves, and I strongly oppose this approach. We cannot keep repeating the mistakes of the past and expect different outcomes. The reconstruction of Kantamanto must be a government-led initiative,” he stated.
Dr. Agyemang emphasized that the new market design should incorporate sound engineering principles to prevent future disasters.
“Rebuilding the market in the same manner as before would be a grave error. The new structures must be professionally designed and constructed to address the vulnerabilities that contributed to this tragedy,” he said.
While expressing sympathy for the affected traders and acknowledging their urgent need to resume work, Dr. Agyemang noted the importance of proper oversight to prevent such disasters from recurring.
“As much as I empathize with their plight, the government must take full charge of this process,” he said.
He further called for the integration of an insurance framework into the reconstruction plans, highlighting the need to adhere to the Insurance Act, Act 1061 of 2021, which requires all commercial buildings to be insured.
The Kantamanto fire, which broke out in the early hours of the new year, destroyed over 30,000 businesses and tragically claimed one life.
Renowned as a hub for second-hand clothing, the market attracts thousands of traders and buyers daily. Meanwhile, a separate fire incident has been reported at the Timber Market in Tamale, marking the latest in a series of destructive infernos at major commercial hubs in Ghana.
