Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong, has expressed a strong interest in leading the reconstruction of the Adum PZ Market in Kumasi, which was recently gutted by fire.
During a visit to the market to sympathize with affected traders, the Member of parliament donated GH¢300,000 to support recovery efforts.
The fire, which swept through sections of the PZ market, destroyed shops and goods worth thousands of Ghana cedis, leaving many traders devastated.
Bryan Acheampong during his engagement with the traders, assured of both immediate financial relief and long-term intervention.
“I am a trader here just like all those affected. I believe it is our duty to step in when others are down. I am supporting the affected traders with GH¢300,000 and have expressed interest in personally financing the reconstruction of the market to restore their livelihoods,” he said.
Bryan Acheampong, emphasized the need for swift action to ensure the traders can return to work as soon as possible.
Reconstruction of the market is yet to receive authorisation of the Asantehene who is out of the country.
Mr. Acheampong noted that his team will begin consultations with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and market authorities to assess the scope of reconstruction and the way forward.
“Otumfuo is out of town. He is expected to return soon. I am willing to engage with him and city authorities to begin the reconstruction of the market personally”
“I have built the largest hotel in Africa so if I tell you I can build this market, don’t doubt me” he said.
Traders and market leaders welcomed the support with appreciation, describing his intervention as compassionate.
The reconstruction of the market as promised by Bryan Acheampong, is expected to begin after consultations with stakeholders and relevant authorities.