Adum fire: No trader will lose shop space – NADMO dispels takeover rumours

The Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Ahmed-Rufai Afarahim, has assured victims of the devastating fire that ravaged hundreds of shops in Kumasi that their shops will be returned to them after the site is reclaimed.

He explained that the ongoing reclamation exercise is purely to clear debris and make the area safe for reconstruction, not to take over or redistribute the shops.

This reassurance comes in response to growing concerns and rumours circulating on social media suggesting that original shop owners may lose their spaces after the cleanup.

Speaking at the scene, where earthmoving equipment was actively clearing debris, Mr. Afarahim described the rumours as completely false and misleading.

“No one is losing their shop. The affected traders should disregard such claims,” he said, urging shop owners to remain calm and focused on recovery.

Mr. Afarahim reiterated that NADMO’s top priority is to support victims and facilitate a smooth recovery process. He also commended the Ghana National Fire Service for their swift response, which prevented the fire from spreading further to nearby structures.

Also addressing the victims on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Kwesi Ofori Agyemang, former Obuasi MCE, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting affected traders through this difficult time.

The fire outbreak, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, destroyed properties and goods belonging to nearly 3,000 traders, causing widespread devastation in the area.