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In a show of solidarity and support, the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), led by its Regional Chairman Lukeman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu, along with the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame Constituency, Hon. Lawyer John Darko, visited victims of the recent fire outbreak at Suame Magazine Zone 21.
The devastating fire, which erupted in the early hours of Friday 1st February 2025, swept through the bustling industrial area, destroying workshops, vehicles, spare parts, and valuable equipment. The incident left many artisans and traders grappling with significant losses.
During their visit, Chairman Lukeman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu expressed profound sympathy to the affected artisans and assured them of GNAG’s commitment to supporting their recovery efforts. He stated, “Suame Magazine is a critical hub for the automobile industry in Ghana, and we cannot leave our hardworking members in distress. We are working with relevant stakeholders to mobilize resources to aid in the recovery process.”
Hon. Lawyer John Darko also extended his condolences to the victims and promised to collaborate with national agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), to provide relief. “The livelihoods of our people have been greatly impacted, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the necessary support to rebuild their businesses. We will engage with NADMO and other partners to bring timely assistance,” he noted.
Some of the affected artisans narrated the heavy losses they suffered, with many calling for immediate intervention from the government and other stakeholders to help them get back on their feet. They expressed concerns over the lack of firefighting equipment in the area and called for the establishment of a local fire station to respond swiftly to emergencies.
The leadership of GNAG and the Suame MP discussed various measures to prevent such incidents in the future, including the enhancement of fire safety education and the installation of fire extinguishers at strategic locations within the magazine.
Background
The fire, which is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, was eventually brought under control by personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). However, the damage was extensive, with preliminary estimates running into thousands of Ghana cedis. The GNFS has since launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and recommend preventive measures.
Call for Support
In the wake of the disaster, many individuals and organizations have been called upon to extend a helping hand to the victims. Financial aid, technical support, and donations of tools and equipment are among the most pressing needs identified by the affected artisans.
Conclusion
The visit by Chairman Lukeman Mohammed Nuhu Appiadu and Hon. John Darko underscores the commitment of local leadership to the well-being of artisans in Suame Magazine. As stakeholders rally to support the victims, the focus remains on rebuilding stronger and ensuring the resilience of one of Ghana’s most vital industrial zones.
The GNAG leadership and the Suame MP reiterated their pledge to continue engaging with relevant authorities to secure the necessary assistance for the victims and to enhance safety protocols in Suame Magazine to protect businesses and livelihoods.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
