Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening and expanding the Kantamanto Market, which serves as a workspace for about 30,000 traders.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah at the re-opening of the market on Tuesday, August 26 2025, following the devastating fire outbreak in January, and the inauguration of the newly formed Kantamanto Obroniwawu Businesses Association (KOBA), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo highlighted the Government’s interventions since the incident.
She recalled that the government provided a GHC 1 million support package to cushion traders and assist in the redevelopment process.
“On 23rd January, Government, through the Chief of Staff on behalf of H.E President John Dramani Mahama, presented Gh¢1Million to support victims.
“This was not only financial assistance but a pledge of solidarity and commitment to rebuild Kantamanto into a safer and modern market.
“This was not to pay for all the losses you recorded in the fire but to cushion you and wipe your tears as you get up and work to build again,” she noted.
She further revealed that the Office of the Chief of Staff has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to ensure the electrification of the market, a request earlier made by the new leadership of KOBA as well as partnered with the National Investment Bank (NIB) to grant financial assistance to traders of the Kantamanto market pledging to include other state-owned financial institutions later.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also urged traders to prioritize fire safety and take seriously the education and training provided by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to prevent future disasters.
“We as traders and citizens have our parts to play, let us take lessons from the fire.
“We must also invest in properly laid-out markets with adequate safety measures and arrangements to withstand such occurrences,” she advised.
