Victims of the devastating fire at Adum PZ market in Kumasi have expressed their dissatisfaction with the food aid provided by Interior Minister and Asawase MP, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.
The fire, which destroyed numerous shops and disrupted livelihoods, left traders in urgent need of assistance to rebuild.
Muntaka, who visited the site with a truckload of supplies, including 1,500 bags of rice and 8,000 boxes of cooking oil, was met with resistance from the victims.
They made it clear that food donations were not their priority, but rather the reconstruction of the market so they could resume their businesses.
In a video shared on social media, the traders were seen openly jeering at Muntaka and his team, highlighting their frustration over the lack of tangible support.
"We are not refugees, so we don't need rice and oil. You can donate these items to the Muslims who are currently fasting for Ramadan or to the school feeding program." - Adum Bluelight boys to Interior Minister, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak pic.twitter.com/KtzCtWuHCV
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) March 27, 2025
They emphasized that their immediate needs were centered around restoring the market and securing their livelihoods, rather than receiving food aid.
Along with their calls for rebuilding efforts, the traders voiced concerns about the possibility of eviction from the land, stressing the need for the government to address their long-term security.
Muntaka, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, pledged to work on practical solutions to prevent future market fires and help the affected traders rebuild their businesses.