Founder and board chairman of Bills; an angel investor and financial services group, Richard Nii Armah Quay has come to the aid of stranded victims of the Adum Bluelight Market Fires with a substantial donation of Five hundred thousand cedis (Ghc500,000) and a thousand (1000) bags of cement.
The business magnate touched down at the Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport, in his Private jet to a rousing welcome by Queen mothers and other dignitaries.
His first call was a courtesy visit to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council after which he was escorted by the Ashanti Regional Minister to the Adum Bluelight Market Fire Scene for an inspection of the extent of damage.
Empathizing with the affected traders, most of whom have been displaced, the business magnate described the scenes as shocking.
“I am shocked and surprised with the level of distraction I have come to see here. To be honest, I have seen images of the destruction but seeing it in person; I am really shocked. A lot of work has to be done here and this will require a lot of investment,” he observed.
“I have been receiving calls for many of the traders and market women here asking me to extend some level of support to them. I have come here to support you with 500,000 cedis and 1000 bags of cement towards the restoration of the market,” Nii Armah Quay announced to loud cheers.
Engineer’s reports.
Ashanti Regional Minister; Dr. Frank Amoakohene acknowledged the anxiety of the stranded traders who have been frantically expecting updates on reconstruction and resettlement efforts.
He announced that Engineers tasked to assess the structural integrity of buildings affected by the fires; have submitted their reports.
He assured that the reports would provide authorities and anxious traders some vital information about the fate of the entire business enclave.
Dr Frank Amoakohene further disclosed that the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu ii was expected to soon visit the scene to have a first-hand appreciation of the extent of devastation.
Grateful Fire Victims
Exiting the market, Richard Nii Armah Quay was flanked by thousands of affected traders heaping praises, blessings and appellations in gratitude.
An elated market woman who spoke to GHOne News stated, “we are overwhelmed by his show of love and support. He is not a native but he has had compassion to reach out to support us in Kumasi. Only God will bless him; grant him long life and prosper his businesses.”
Other traders expressed concern about what they described as the lack of transparency and full disclosure about the amounts of donations received and how the funds were being administered.
“We are grateful to Richard Nii Armah Quay but we also want to know how our leaders will support us with these funds. How much will we receive to get back our spaces to continue trading? A young man questioned.
Chairman of Traders
Chairman of the United Railways Traders Association; Joseph Bobie – Ansah pointed out that the donation by Nii Armah Quay would significantly support efforts aimed at reconstructing the markets, executing repairs and restoring displaced traders.
He asked that traders remain calm and repose confidence in his management team assuring that all cash donations have been properly lodged with a bank awaiting further deliberations from the market fires management committee.
Parrying any accusations of opaqueness, Joseph Bobie – Ansah insisted that his outfit was considering all options that guaranteed the best way forward in the interest of the traders.
By: Ivan Heathcote – Fumador.
