Businessman and philanthropist Emmanuel Aboagye, also known as Aboagye Contractor, has contributed GH₵500,000 to aid traders whose shops were destroyed in the fire that occurred on March 21 in the Central Business District of the Ashanti Region.
Following a visit to the affected area, he expressed words of encouragement to those impacted by the disaster.
The fire, which ignited in the early hours of Friday, March 21, left many traders devastated as they attempted to recover their merchandise amid the turmoil.
In light of the victims’ circumstances, Aboagye Contractor has provided GH₵500,000 to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to assist those affected.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and to God for blessing us with a dedicated and compassionate Minister who is concerned about the underprivileged, especially the victims of the Adum Railway Market fire. I am aware of the President’s visit to the site to offer comfort and support.
“As a native of Kumasi, I recognize your contributions to the economic development of our community. My wife and I run a charitable foundation that aims to assist those in need, as long as it is within our financial capacity.
“When the Regional Minister reached out to me for help, we viewed it as our shared duty and assured him of our commitment to support our fellow citizens during this challenging time. Therefore, we are here to donate GH₵500,000 to aid the victims through the Minister,” he stated with a smile.
He encouraged the Ghanaian business community to extend their support to the victims and help them recover from their losses.
I urge the business community to join us in providing both financial and emotional support to our struggling brothers and sisters, enabling them to revive their businesses. Your presence here today can offer them strength during this crucial time and help maintain their stability. I can only express my hope that the Lord grants you all comfort as you navigate this significant loss, he remarked.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, who received the donation on behalf of the victims, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support. He assured the affected individuals that the government would assist them in rebuilding their enterprises.
“Our colleague, Aboagye Contractor from Accra, visited my office and generously donated GH₵500,000. I suggested that we gather here so he could share some encouraging words with you, the victims.
“I believe that hearing from him will provide much-needed psychological support during this challenging period. Therefore, on behalf of the traders, I extend our thanks for your assistance,” he added.
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the landlord, is currently abroad, which means that the reconstruction of the market cannot commence at this time. However, the government will take appropriate actions upon his return to support the affected traders,” he concluded.
