VIDEO: Gbese Stool warns against illegal structures after Kantamanto Market Fire, says it owns land  

In the aftermath of the devastating fire that obliterated Kantamanto Market, leaving thousands of traders stranded and destroying as many shops, the Gbese Stool, led by Paramount Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II, has issued a stern warning against the erection of unauthorised structures on the land.  

Speaking at a press conference, Nii Ayi Bonte II stated the Gbese Stool’s ownership of the land, clarifying that the government does not control the property. 

While expressing sympathy for those affected by the disaster, he stressed that the Stool will not tolerate any illegal reconstruction on the site as they had appropriate documentation to prove ownership.  

The chief revealed plans to collaborate with investors starting in April to transform and maximise the potential of the market space. 

To enforce these plans, he said a task force has been established to monitor and ensure the removal of any unauthorised structures.  

Background  

The Kantamanto Market fire, which broke out last Thursday, decimated Ghana’s largest second-hand clothing market. The inferno raged through the heart of Accra’s informal economy, leaving traders devastated and goods worth millions of cedis in ruins.  

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed 13 fire tenders to battle the blaze. However, by Thursday morning, only smouldering debris remained of the once-thriving hub.  

As traders grapple with the monumental loss, the Gbese Stool’s decision to assert control over the land adds a layer of complexity to recovery efforts. Stakeholders are now closely watching how these plans will balance the traders’ urgent need for resettlement with the Stool’s vision for development.  

The Kantamanto tragedy has reignited broader discussions on market safety and land ownership in Ghana, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect livelihoods and prevent future disasters.

Watch the video below;

The Gbese Stool, led by Paramount Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II, has issued a warning against the construction of wooden structures on the Katamanto lands, clarifying that the property is not government-owned.#CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/KL48IA0upo

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 4, 2025