Ashanti NPP Caucus Demands Urgent Action After Suame Market Fire

Der The Ashanti NPP Caucus in Parliament has expressed deep concern following the devastating fire outbreak that ravaged the Suame Post Office Market, destroying over 300 shops and leaving thousands of traders counting their losses.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Caucus, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the lawmakers conveyed their sympathies to affected traders while raising alarm over the growing frequency of market fires in the Ashanti Region.

“While we mourn with the victims, we cannot remain silent on a worrying trend. In recent months, the Ashanti Region has suffered repeated market fires, each time destroying years of hard work and investment by ordinary Ghanaians,” the statement read.

The group criticized what they described as “business-as-usual attitudes” from authorities, questioning the government’s urgency, accountability, and preparedness in dealing with these recurring disasters.

The Caucus outlined four major demands aimed at addressing the crisis:

• A full-scale and transparent investigation into the Suame fire, with findings made public.
• Emergency relief and compensation packages for the affected traders.
• The urgent installation of modern fire safety infrastructure in markets, including hydrants, surveillance systems, and dedicated fire posts.
• A clear and permanent policy framework to tackle the spate of market fires in the region.

According to the statement, the Ashanti NPP Caucus intends to push the matter strongly on the floor of Parliament to ensure swift government action.

“We owe it to the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods keep our local and national economy alive. Enough is enough! The time for rhetoric is over; the time for decisive action is now,” the Caucus declared.

The fire at the Suame Post Office Market has reignited calls for stronger preventive measures and better emergency responses as traders continue to reel from the devastating losses.