Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a 2024 presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for urgent measures to decongest the Katamanto market to prevent future fire outbreaks.
During a tour of the market on Friday, March 28, 2025, Agyapong voiced deep concerns over the growing congestion in the market, emphasizing that without proper decongestion, the market could face the risk of another devastating fire disaster.
He expressed worry about the overcrowded conditions in the market, which he believes makes the area highly vulnerable to fire disasters. He stressed that the lack of sufficient space in the market impedes emergency response efforts, particularly for fire tenders.
“The congestion here is a ticking time bomb. We need to create space to allow for easy accessibility of fire tenders and other emergency services in the case of any eventuality,” he warned.
The former Assin Central MP appealed to traders to cooperate and create more space to ensure that emergency vehicles can manoeuver freely during a crisis. “We must all play a part in making the market safer for everyone,” he added.
In addition to decongestion, Agyapong urged the relevant state authorities to take swift action in ensuring that the market is properly demarcated. He called for clearer boundaries within the market, which would improve organization and prevent the current chaotic situation that makes the market a fire hazard.
The former lawmaker’s comments come in the wake of numerous fire incidents that have ravaged the market in recent years, leaving traders devastated and losing valuable stock.
His plea for action aims to prevent such disasters from occurring again and to ensure the safety of all those who rely on the market for their livelihoods.
During his visit, Agyapong also attempted to make a cash donation to the market traders, hoping to offer support to the struggling community.
However, his gesture was met with strong opposition from the traders. The traders strongly advised against donating money to the market leadership, and instead requested for more practical support, such as the installation of street lights and enhanced security measures to safeguard their businesses and property.
The traders voiced their frustrations over the mismanagement of funds previously donated to the market. They accused the market leadership of misappropriating donations made by government bodies, organizations, and individuals in the past.
“We don’t need more money; we need proper infrastructure and security,” one trader said.
In response to these allegations, Michael Oppong, Chairman of the Kantamanto Used Clothing Association, refuted the claims of misappropriation, defending the market leadership’s handling of the funds.
He explained that a significant portion of the funds received from various donors had been used for the reconstruction of the market following past disasters.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we will render a full account of the funds when the time is right,” Oppong assured the traders.
His statement aimed to clarify the leadership’s position and to reassure the traders that their concerns were being taken seriously. He also stressed that the leadership would continue working towards improving the market’s infrastructure to make it safer for everyone.
As the situation at Katamanto market remains dire, Agyapong’s call to action is a reminder of the need for a collaborative effort between traders, market leadership, and state authorities to address the pressing issues facing the market.
With the support of all parties, including government officials, private organizations, and the traders themselves, there is hope that the market will undergo the much-needed transformation to become safer and more organized.
The road ahead remains challenging, but with concerted effort and a commitment to transparency, there may be a brighter future for Kantamanto market, free from the threat of recurring fire disasters.
