Minority Caucus Supports Kantamanto Fire Victims with GH₵200,000 Donation

The Minority Caucus in Parliament on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, paid a compassionate visit to victims of the January fire outbreak that ravaged parts of the Kantamanto Market in Accra.

The caucus extended a cash donation of GH₵200,000 to support affected traders in their recovery efforts.

The donation, which was warmly received by market leaders and traders, is part of the Caucus’s broader initiative to support communities affected by recent market fires across the country.

Leading the delegation was the Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. Addressing the traders during a brief ceremony, he expressed the Caucus’s sympathy and solidarity with the victims, encouraging them to remain resilient.

“We came not just with words, but with action. The Minority Caucus stands with you. This donation is our way of showing that you are not alone in this journey to rebuild,” he said.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin also joined the traders in prayer, emphasizing the importance of unity and faith during times of crisis. “It’s in difficult times like these that we find strength in unity and in God,” he added.

Calling for national unity, the Minority Leader urged Ghanaians—especially the victims—not to let politics divide them during this critical period. “Let us look beyond politics. What matters now is our collective strength to rebuild. Ghana belongs to all of us, and peace is the only path to meaningful progress,” he stressed.

The delegation included the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri) and his First Deputy, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe) who also offered words of encouragement to the affected traders.

Other members of the delegation were Ms Afua Akoto , formerly with MASLOC as well as some Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Greater Accra.

The Kantamanto visit follows a similar initiative by the Minority Caucus in the Ashanti Region, where they donated GH₵200,000 to victims of the Adum PZ Market fire in Kumasi.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin assured traders that the Caucus would not relent in advocating for their needs in Parliament. “Beyond these donations, we are taking your plight to the floor of Parliament. We will push for the necessary interventions and support packages to help you bounce back stronger,” he said.

He also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the current NDC administration to prioritize the reconstruction of the affected markets, stressing the urgency of the situation.

“This is not the time for bureaucracy. We are urging the government to act swiftly. These traders are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our full support,” he stated.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Kantamanto traders, Aikins Boakye Mensah expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Minority Caucus. He described the support as a “lifeline” for many whose livelihoods were devastated by the fire.

“We are deeply thankful to the Minority Caucus, especially Hon. Afenyo-Markin, for remembering us in our time of need. I want to assure you all that the money will be used responsibly to support the most affected traders as they begin to rebuild their lives and businesses,” he said.

He further called on other political leaders, organizations, and institutions to emulate the Minority’s example and contribute to efforts aimed at restoring the once-thriving Kantamanto Market.