AMA supports Tudu fire victims
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has donated GH¢80,000 to support victims of the devastating fire outbreak that swept through parts of Tudu in Accra on Wednesday.
A total of 105 traders have so far been registered as affected by the blaze, which destroyed goods, personal belongings and trading spaces.
Presenting the donation during a visit to the scene on Thursday, June 4, the Chief Executive of the AMA, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the support was intended to help the victims replace essential items lost in the fire, including clothing, food and other necessities.
“We know most of you have items destroyed, including your clothes, food and other essentials, so in the interim, we are supporting you with GH¢80,000 to get all the necessary items you will need,” he said.
Mr Allotey said discussions were ongoing with the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs and the Greater Accra Regional Minister to explore additional support measures for the affected traders.
Aftermath of fire
When the Daily Graphic visited the scene on Wednesday morning, the fire had been completely extinguished, leaving behind heaps of debris and burnt wooden structures.
Some traders were seen carefully combing through the rubble in search of items that may have survived the inferno, while others gathered in small groups discussing the extent of their losses.
The area had been cordoned off by security personnel to ensure public safety and prevent unauthorised access to the affected sections. The security presence was also to deter looters from taking advantage of the situation.
Some traders were seen weeping openly as they assessed the destruction. Others expressed frustration and uncertainty over how they would rebuild their businesses after losing goods worth thousands of cedis.
Several affected traders appealed for further support from the government, corporate organisations and philanthropists, saying the losses suffered would be difficult to recover from without assistance.
The blaze damaged the Accra Central Police Barracks Annex, destroying 32 rooms and their contents, as well as a one-storey building and its contents.
Market redevelopment
Mr Allotey also used the occasion to reiterate the need to redevelop old market structures in the capital, arguing that public opposition often delays efforts to improve infrastructure and safety conditions.
According to him, the affected structure had become old and required redevelopment to ensure the safety of traders and patrons.
“This is why we want to demolish all the old markets and build new ones. Anytime we want to bring development, our people protest and lament. How can we build the country with such an attitude?” he asked.
Mr Allotey disclosed that he would engage the Regional Police Commander as part of plans to clear the area and pave the way for redevelopment.
Fire Service
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said firefighters successfully contained the inferno after receiving a distress call at 8:05 p.m.
According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Desmond Ackah, the first crew from the Accra City Fire Station arrived on the scene two minutes later and found the fire fully developed.
It said an additional crew from the Ministries, Parliament, Industrial Area and Circle fire stations, supported by an Assembly water tanker, were deployed to assist in bringing the situation under control.
The statement said the fire was confined at 10:29 p.m., brought under control at 11:50 p.m. and fully extinguished at 3:41 a.m. on Thursday.
It said a firefighter sustained critical injuries during the operation and was rushed to the Police Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition and responding to treatment.
