The Adum fire victims have boldly rejected 1,500 bags of rice and 800 boxes of cooking oil and soap donated by Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak.
The blaze, which ravaged dozens of shops, left traders reeling from the loss of goods worth millions of Ghana cedis.
A two-story building housing several shops in the central business district of Adum in Kumasi caught fire.
The fire happened at the popular Blue Light arena, close to Hello FM.
Reports suggest the fire started around 6 am and spread rapidly as fire officers made attempts to contain the blaze.
The Interior Minister visited the Adum PZ market fire site with a truckload of supplies, including 1,500 bags of rice and 800 boxes of cooking oil but was rejected.
According to the Adum fire victims who were heard loudly in a viral video, they do not need any rice donations from the Muntaka Mubarak.
The victims indicated they did not require food donations at that moment as their primary need was for the government to rebuild the market and ensure their businesses could be started again.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has visited traders at Adum Bluelight and Despite Plaza affected by the fire outbreak.
John Mahama is said to have engaged with some of the affected traders and pledged government support.
He detailed that action will be taken to help the affected individual who has lost their livelihoods.
He further called for an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Additionally, Dr Bawumia on the grounds of the devasting fire extended support to traders in Kumasi’s Adum area, who were affected by a fire on March 21, 2025, saying, “We have to wait for the investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service, and then we can determine the cause of the fire so that we can prevent it next time”.
“I am donating GH¢200,000 and 1,000 bags to the victims, and I urge private individuals to also support the traders in getting their livelihoods back,” he added.
The former vice president further called on John Mahama to expedite the completion of the Kejetia Central Market which according to him is 80 per cent completed.
Dr Bawumia added, “I also want to appeal to the government to complete Phase II of the Kejetia Central Market, which was about 80% complete at the time we left office. We believe that when it is completed, it is going to the traders here.
“I want to commend the efforts of the fire service personnel. They have done their best to contain the fire. I heard about two fire personnel who have been admitted to the hospital, we wish them a speedy recovery,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP Bernard Boasiako and the former Ashanti Region Minister Simon Osei-Mensah.
Watch the video below:
The interior minister Muntaka Mubarak tried to donate 1,500 bags of rice and 800 boxes of cooking oil to victims of the adum fire in Kumasi but was met with insults by some of the traders. This is a clear message to the NDC not to waste their time on weak minded fools, our kids… pic.twitter.com/XkeOSD5UuW
— Kevin Taylor (@KevinEkowTaylor) March 26, 2025
