In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed about 7,000 shops and left nearly 30,000 traders helpless at the popular Kantamanto Market in Accra, the Gbese Stool, under the leadership of Paramount Chief Nii Ayi Bonte II, has warned people not to put up wooden structures on the land, indicating that the government doesn’t own the property.

Speaking at a news conference, Nii Ayi Bonte II restated the Gbese Stool’s claim to the land, adding that there are plans to team up with investors for its development to maximize its potential.

Although he empathized with the victims of the fire, the chief strongly warned that they would not permit the building of authorized strictures on the land.
It has thus announced the setting up of a task force to supervise and ensure the removal of such illegal structures.

“The land has an owner, so no one should take the law into their hands and build any wooden structures. We will not accept this attitude again. That is why we are having this press conference to inform everyone that we are bringing in investors from April to change the place.

“We are cautioning anyone who has put up any structures without our permission to pull them down because we will be sending a task force to the grounds to ensure no one puts up any illegal structures,” he stated.

The fire erupted late on Thursday night and spread widespread destruction, with traders scrambling to salvage their goods as the flames rapidly spread.

It is unclear how the government will react to the incident. Some have alleged a possible case of arson although the Ghana National Fire Service is still investigating to determine the cause of the disaster.