The former Ashanti Regional Minister has expressed concerns over the government’s response to victims of the Adum Blue Light fire incident. Speaking on Bryt Adekye Mu Nsem, he stated that he would have been deeply hurt if he were in the shoes of the Interior Minister when traders rejected the relief items provided.
Comparing the government’s support for victims of the Katamanto fire outbreak, where financial aid was provided to restart businesses, he suggested that merely giving food items to the Adum fire victims may have led to their rejection. He acknowledged the traders’ call for the relief items to be returned but left the decision in the hands of Hon. Muntaka.
He emphasized that dealing with traders is challenging, and authorities should first engage them to understand their needs before offering assistance. He urged the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to take charge, as there are no mayors currently, and play a role in addressing traders’ concerns.
Furthermore, he called for a structural integrity test on the Blue Light building to determine whether it should be renovated or rebuilt. He stressed the need for proper spacing in reconstruction to ensure easy fire service access in future emergencies.
The former minister also lamented the lack of enforcement of regulations and laws in Ghana. He recalled facing intense pressure from traders and even his own party when he attempted to clear traders from unauthorized areas during his tenure.
Additionally, he revealed that during his time as Regional Minister, fire hydrants were severely lacking, with less than five functioning properly out of over 400. He urged the new Regional Minister, Dr. Amoakohene, to follow up on the fire hydrant installations he initiated in Greater Kumasi.
He concluded by appealing to traders to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to find solutions, as the fire incident cannot be undone
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
