Sections of the Kejetia market in the central business district of the Ashanti Region which was not affected by fire has been opened for traders to transact business barely a week after some parts of the market got burst into flames.
However, the affected area which is the epicenter of the fire is to be closed indefinitely until advised by the assessment of experts.
The market was opened a day after the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the scene to get first hand information and also to commiserate with traders who lost their wares, and capital in the inferno.
The Vice President during the visit revealed that the inferno was not caused by electrical fault as was being speculated therefore, traders at sections of the market which was not affected should be allowed to transact business.
However, the decision to open the market comes contrary to what had been said by the Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah and managers of the market who had indicated that the market be closed for at least one week due to security reasons.
The Minister had proposed that for security reasons, the Kumasi Kejetia Market should remain closed for about three to one week after the facility was gutted by fire last Wednesday afternoon.
Since the cause of fire is yet to be established by the Fire Service, speculations are rife on the cause and also allegation of negligence on the part of management of the market by the traders.
Meanwhile, in an early press release signed by the Vice Chairman of the Kumasi City Markets Ltd, Nana Agyenim Boateng I, noted that the Board of Kumasi City Markets Limited in consultation with experts on construction and disaster management, has resolved that in order to protect life and property of patrons of the Kumasi Kejetia Market Complex, some measures have been put in place to forestall similar future occurrence.
“Following the outbreak of fire at the facility on Wednesday the 15th of March 2023. The experts have advised that there is the need to assess the electromechanical and other safety installations as well as the structural integrity of the affected area before granting access to patrons.
