Vice President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, believes that market fires are becoming a tradition in Ghana.
Parts of the Kantamanto market were razed by fire on the night of Thursday, January 2, 2024. While the cause of the fire is not yet known, it reportedly started around 1 a.m. and has destroyed over 100 stores in the area.
The Ghana Fire Service is currently working to contain the fire and prevent any casualties.
Commenting on the growing frequency of market fires, Kofi Bentil expressed concern, noting that it has become a troubling annual occurrence in the country.
In a post on social media, he said, “Kantamanto is burning again. It’s now an annual affair. If something happens consistently in a society, it’s not an accident—it’s culture! We have a culture of annual market fires and bad street lighting. God help President JM to change it!”