Ghanaian America-based Archbishop Kofi Adonteng Boateng, Head Pastor of Divine Power House and the General Overseer of Divine Word International Ministries, has called on the Ghana Police Service and the National Fire Service to investigate the recent fire outbreak at the Kantamanto market.
According to Archbishop Adonteng Boateng, should investigations unravel any culprits behind the fire incidents, such individuals must face the full rigor of the law.
Speaking in a New Year message on January 2, 2025, he condemned the recent fire incidents and called for a lasting solution.
“Seeing the level of destruction at Kantamanto, my heart is bleeding profusely thinking about the poor men and women who have lost their life savings, businesses, and all the pain they might go through.
“It saddens me that their economic plight will be worsened because people are already suffering from economic hardship in Ghana.
“It is my prayer that this is an accident and not an arson. If it is the work of arsonists, I pray that the Fire Service, the Police, and National Security will come together to thoroughly investigate this kind of wickedness by some saboteurs who don’t want to see Ghana progress,” he said.
He continued, “It is my prayer that we can bring private investors to Ghana to rebuild Kantamanto market and other markets to help poor Ghanaians.”
A devastating fire ravaged the Kantamanto market, causing huge damage to several shops and properties.
The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed that the fire, which broke out around 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2024, has been contained and efforts are ongoing to prevent further destruction.
Footage from the scene shows the market engulfed in smoke, with the fire visibly wreaking havoc.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex King Nartey who reported live from the site, confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.
“While the fire has not yet been fully extinguished, it has been contained to prevent further spread. There have been no reported fatalities,” Nartey stated.
“The situation is still being managed, and we’re doing everything we can to control it.” he added.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine the source of the blaze and assess the extent of the damage.