Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has thrown his support behind traders affected by the devastating fire at the Adum Market in Kumasi, which destroyed several shops and properties in the early hours of Friday, March 21, 2025.

The fire spread rapidly due to challenges with accessibility within the market, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. Following the incident, authorities met with the traders and proposed constructing a new market with better safety and accessibility features. However, the traders have strongly opposed this plan, insisting on rebuilding the market themselves to restore their businesses quickly.

Despite concerns raised by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and other stakeholders over the traders’ decision, they remain determined to take charge of the reconstruction.

In response, Dr. Bawumia has stepped in to support their efforts, donating GHS 200,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to assist them.

During his visit to the market, he assured the traders of his full backing, saying:

"Additionally, I have heard that traders are willing to rebuild the market themselves, and I fully support their decision. Nobody would lose their respective spots; they all must be here. I promise to assist you in this effort, and I am confident that the government will also offer its support.

"When you are affected, I am affected too, and I am here to help. So, I'm here to offer GHS 2 million from my own pocket and 1,000 bags of cement.

"I had sleepless nights after the news came to me because I'm worried. People have lost their properties; some have worked here for over 21 years and counting. How would they survive?"

Dr. Bawumia further emphasized the need for a long-term solution to prevent similar incidents in the future. He called on the government to complete the stalled Kejetia Market Phase Two project to provide traders with a safer and well-planned trading space.

"Until investigations are complete, we cannot determine the exact cause of the fire. In the meantime, I want to appeal to the government to complete the Kejetia Market Phase Two project. Although we were unable to finish it, we completed about 80% of the work. We urge the government to finalize it to support traders."