Honourable Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has officially reported last Friday’s fire disaster at Adum to the Manhyia Palace today March 24, 2025.
He believes it is prudent to inform the custodian of the land and the Occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, about the measures taken so far.
Dr. Amoakohene was accompanied by officials from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), security chiefs, and senior technocrats in the region.
They were received at Manhyia Palace by Achemfour Asafo Boagye Agyemang Bonsu, Chief of Kumasi-Asafo and Asanteman Akwamuhene, who is holding the fort for Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, currently abroad.
According to the Regional Minister, the fire disaster was brought under control around 1:00 am on Saturday.
President John Dramani Mahama, who was launching the “Tree For Life Afforestation Initiative” at Kufuor Park in Nkawie, visited the scene to commiserate with the fire victims and assured them of government support.
Other government officials, including Lawyer Marritta Brews, a Presidential Legal Adviser, have also visited the disaster area to express their condolences and promised support.
Dr. Amoakohene reported that, according to NADMO data, 1,484 people in lockable stores, 425 stores, and 137 petty traders were affected by the fire.
A philanthropist (name undisclosed) has donated ¢500,000, in addition to ¢100,000 from MASLOC, to support the victims.
The Regional Minister has tasked building engineers and experts to conduct structural tests and address accessibility and congestion challenges in the area.
He also presented to the chiefs a request from traders occupying temporary structures to rebuild by themselves with the supervision of Works Department of KMA.
Achemfour Asafo Boagye Agyemang Bonsu thanked the Regional Minister and his entourage for officially informing Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about the fire disaster.
He assured that the information would be communicated to his Overlord and requested that measures be put in place to restore traders to the business environment while ensuring they adhere to regulations.
A delegation of prominent chiefs will visit the disaster area on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to assess the situation and convey Otumfuo’s condolences to the fire victims.
BY Thomas Awuah-Asem
Kumasi
