If it comes to rebuilding markets after fire outbreaks, We don’t really trust the government because most often, people don’t get their stores back – Chairman of 2nd hand sellers Association, Owusu Gwuma
Owusu Gwuma, the chairman of the Second-Hand Sellers Association in the Ashanti Region, has voiced serious concerns about the government’s handling of market rebuilding efforts following fire outbreaks.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Gwuma expressed his deep mistrust in the promises made by the government, particularly when it comes to ensuring that affected traders receive their rightful stores after the destruction caused by fires. His candid remarks have shed light on the frustrations of many traders, especially those whose livelihoods are severely impacted by such disasters.
Owusu Gwuma’s comments come in the wake of several market fires that have devastated trading spaces across the country, with some of the most affected areas being in the Ashanti Region. Market fires are not new to Ghana, and the government, through various initiatives, has often pledged to rebuild these markets and restore them to their former state. However, Gwuma, who represents second-hand sellers in the region, highlighted a recurring issue: many traders do not get their original stores back after the markets are rebuilt.
“The government promises to rebuild the markets, but when the work is done, most of us don’t get our shops back. This has been the case in several instances, and we have seen it happen repeatedly,” Gwuma stated during his appearance on Kessben FM. His statement reflects the frustration and disillusionment felt by many traders who are left in a state of uncertainty after the fire outbreaks.
The Ashanti Region, like many other parts of the country, has faced its fair share of market fires in recent years. Some of the most significant fire incidents include those at Kumasi’s Kejetia Market, which houses hundreds of small businesses, many of which are second-hand sellers. These traders are some of the most vulnerable in the market economy, as they rely on small-scale, affordable goods to make a living.
However, despite the widespread destruction of goods and infrastructure, the rebuilding process has often been slow and plagued by inefficiencies. Gwuma highlighted that after fires, the traders are usually promised that their businesses will be restored, but in many cases, they find themselves without a permanent place to conduct their trade. The uncertainty surrounding who will be allocated the new stores once the markets are rebuilt further adds to their anxiety.
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