Ahmed-Rufai Afarahim, the Deputy Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has assured victims of Friday’s inferno which gutted hundreds of shops in Kumasi that their shops would not be taken away from them after reclamation of the site.

He said shops would be returned to their rightful owners after the exercise which only seeks to clear the debris and also ensure that the site is safe for reconstruction.

The assurance follows rumours on social media that original shop owners would be denied their spaces after the reclamation exercise.

Speaking at the site of the fire where earthmoving equipment were busily clearing the debris, Mr. Afarahim said the claims were unfounded.

He said no one would lose their shops and urged occupants of the shops to treat the rumours with contempt.

According to him, NADMO’s primary focus was to support the affected individuals and facilitate the recovery process.

He praised the Ghana National Fire Service for their selfless efforts which brought the fire under control before it could extend to other adjoining structures.

Mr. Kwesi Ofori Agyemang, a former Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, on behalf of the Ashanti Regional Minister, assured the victims of government’s support.

The Kumasi fire outbreak which occurred in the early hours of Friday, caused extensive damage to buildings and goods of about 3,000 traders.