Former MP for Tema West and immediate past Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo, has donated One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 100,000) to traders affected by the devastating Kantamanto Market fire. The donation, made through the ReneAddo Foundation, was presented to the victims during a visit to the market earlier today.
The fire, which gutted large portions of the bustling commercial centre in Accra, occurred on Thursday, 2nd January 2025. According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), preliminary investigations point to an electrical fault as the likely cause, though the possibility of arson has not been ruled out.
“We suspect electrical faults, but there are also indications that this could have been a deliberate act. An investigation is ongoing to establish the facts,” said GNFS Public Relations Officer, Alex King Nartey.
At the time of the incident, Naa Torshie Addo was outside the country. Upon her return, she expressed her deep concern and empathy for the affected traders, describing herself as an Obaatan — a mother to the people — and stated that it was only right to contribute her “widow’s mite” to support their recovery.
Addressing the affected traders on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, she noted that beyond the financial support, there was a pressing need to educate market traders on matters of insurance and infrastructure compliance. Drawing on her legal expertise, she indicated plans to meet with the traders in the coming weeks to explain insurance packages available to market businesses and the types of structures required to qualify for insurance coverage.
She further emphasised the importance of electrical safety in public trading spaces. She urged the Kantamanto Market leadership to engage certified electrical engineers to manage all current and future installations. She cautioned against the prevalent practice of indiscriminate wiring extensions, which often result in circuit overloads and overheating — technical conditions that significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks.
Notably, Naa Torshie Addo is the first female to make such a substantial donation to the victims — a gesture that drew heartfelt appreciation from the market community. The chairman and executive members of the Kantamanto Market Association expressed gratitude on behalf of the traders, while market women sang praises in her honour.
She was accompanied by several NPP party functionaries, particularly women executives from the Greater Accra Region and beyond. Hon. Addo also acknowledged that various party leaders and dignitaries had earlier visited the site to express solidarity and assured the gathering that her support would be both practical and sustained.
