Michael Donyinah Mensah, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), said the fire that destroyed the Kantamanto market was unfortunate but not unexpected.
He believes that the traders are aware that at any time, they are at risk of a fire.
According to the policy analyst, one factor making the area more vulnerable is that traders have temporarily developed it with woods.
He also complained that the market’s layout and poor demarcation make it extremely difficult for emergency services like the fire department to access the location and deal with any type of outbreak.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that if the current layout of the market remains the same, we will continue to witness fire outbreaks.
‘’The Kantamanto problem is not a new problem, but we need new solutions in addressing the recurrent fire outbreaks,’’ he told host Kwabena Agyapong.
Mr. Donyina Mensah recounted how plans were advanced for the development of the market to become the largest clothing market in the sub-region as compared to China and other countries, but that could not materialise.
‘’When we heard about this, we saw it as good news, but I don’t know why that project could not survive, and we have once again witnessed another fire outbreak. We know what to do. The government and leadership of the traders and Kantamanto market know what needs to be done. But the reason why we have not been able to deal with the problem with the known solutions would have to be investigated,’’ he added.
He also condemned the traders’ attempt to redevelop their burned-out stores with wood, saying, “This is a wrong action, and I believe it is past time for the government to take immediate action to address the issue.” The outbreak is unfortunate. However, in order to move forward, we must address the issue permanently. The new NDC government, with its reset agenda, must take steps to redevelop Kantamanto as a modern clothing or apparel market. We cannot destroy the market’s rich history because it has become a global brand; however, we must redevelop it as a modern market. The government can work with the private sector to develop the market”.
Mr. Donyina Mensah stated, “If this government is unable to redevelop the market and allow traders to use wood to rebuild their stores, I will doubt the reset agenda they have promised Ghanaians because this is a test case for the reset agenda.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana