Victims of the recent Dansoman Market fire are renewing calls for urgent assistance as they struggle to recover from the loss of their shops, machines, and livelihoods. 

Speaking on behalf of the affected traders, Rev Eric Amo expressed deep concern over the slow response from stakeholders who visited the site in the early days of the disaster.

According to Rev Amo, several leaders, including the Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Rev Kweku Addo, and a number of prominent individuals, visited the victims immediately after the disaster to sympathise with them. 

However, he noted that since those visits, the traders had not received any follow-up communication or support.

“We appreciate everyone who came to sympathise with us, but after the visits, we haven’t heard from anyone. We are still waiting, and the situation is becoming unbearable,” Rev Amo said.

He reiterated that many traders had been left with nothing, stressing that the fire destroyed machines, goods, equipment, and years of investment. With no insurance cover or emergency financial support, the victims fear they may not be able to rebuild their businesses.

As the Christmas season approaches, he explained, the pressure on families was increasing. School fees, rent, and daily upkeep remain major concerns for traders who currently have no source of income.

Rev Amo also appealed to the Ablekuma West Municipal Assembly for clarity on the fate of the market and whether reconstruction plans were underway. 

He emphasised that rebuilding the marketplace would restore hope and confidence to the hundreds of traders who depended on it for survival.

In addition, he extended calls to NGOs, religious bodies, corporate organisations, and philanthropists — including businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and Media General and Class Media Group (CMG) to support the victims with equipment, credit facilities, or financial assistance.

“At this point, all we need is support to get back on our feet. The fire has taken everything from us, but with help, we can rebuild our lives,” Rev Amo said.

The Dansoman Market fire has displaced several traders, many of whom are still counting their losses as they wait for meaningful intervention from authorities and the wider public.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ablekuma West, George Kpakpo Allotey, has assured victims that the government is actively working on measures to support them as they recover from the devastating incident.

In responding to the fire victims, Mr Allotey confirmed that the report for the incident was out and he believed the findings would guide the next steps and recommendations for restoring the livelihoods of affected traders. 

He urged victims to remain patient as the assembly collaborated with relevant state agencies to coordinate relief efforts.

According to the MCE, about 120 shops were affected in the inferno, with some individuals losing more than one shop. He acknowledged the difficulty many traders were facing, especially as the Christmas season approached, and emphasised that government intervention was intended to help ensure they could still have a dignified and hopeful festive period.

Mr Allotey noted that some relief items had already been distributed shortly after the incident, and more support was being arranged based on the newly released report. He added that the assembly was committed to securing the necessary aid to help traders rebuild their businesses and recover their losses.

He also confirmed that a portion of the market that was not affected by the fire had now been reopened, allowing some traders to resume business and create a pathway toward economic recovery while broader support measures are finalised.

“We understand the pain and the pressure the traders are going through. With the report now out, we can move forward with the proper recommendations and ensure support reaches those who need it. We are committed to helping them bounce back,” the MCE assured.

The Dansoman Market fire claimed the life of an 8-year-old - confirmed the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) - left several traders devastated, destroying goods, machines, and years of investment.

Authorities say more updates will be provided as government-led support plans progress.