Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
In a powerful display of solidarity and timely intervention, former President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Mr. Yiadom Boakye Emmanuel, has donated GHC10,000 in cash and 50 bags of cement to support victims of the recent fire disaster that ravaged sections of the Adum PZ commercial area in Kumasi.
The donation, made on Friday, comes weeks after a devastating blaze swept through the bustling market enclave in March, destroying shops, goods, and livelihoods. The incident left scores of traders in despair, with many appealing for meaningful assistance to restart their businesses and rebuild the infrastructure they lost.
During his visit to the affected site, Mr. Boakye Emmanuel met with community leaders and some of the fire victims to personally present the donation. He underscored the need for well-targeted support that goes beyond temporary relief, stressing that what victims need most are capital and construction materials to begin the rebuilding process. “This is not just about offering help—it’s about offering the right kind of help,” he stated. “The victims here have lost everything. They need financial support and materials to rebuild, not just food. I encourage others to also come on board and support in any way they can.”
His remarks come amid growing concerns from victims over the nature of support they’ve received so far. Some expressed dissatisfaction with donations that lacked practical relevance to their current needs. Notably, a recent donation by the Interior Minister consisting of food items—such as rice, oil, and soap—was met with disapproval by a section of the victims, who argued that such items did not address their urgent need for capital and rebuilding materials.
In contrast, Mr. Yiadom’s donation was warmly embraced by the traders and local leaders, who described it as a thoughtful and impactful gesture. Mr. Joseph Bobbie Ansah, popularly known as Wofa Antwi and the chairman of the traders’ association, expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the victims.“This gesture gives us hope that we are not alone. It shows us that people care, and we are grateful,” he said.
Community observers and opinion leaders have also commended the donation, calling it a model for disaster response and urging other philanthropists, civil society groups, and government institutions to tailor their interventions to meet the specific needs of affected communities.
The fire disaster has rekindled national debate on market safety and infrastructure vulnerabilities, with growing calls on local authorities to implement stronger fire prevention systems and regulatory oversight to prevent future occurrences.
Mr. Yiadom Boakye Emmanuel concluded his visit with a heartfelt message to the nation, urging collective responsibility and empathy.“The strength of a nation lies in how it stands with its people in times of distress. Every little support matters. Let’s come together and help restore hope to these hardworking men and women,” he appealed.
His intervention stands as a beacon of leadership and compassion in a time of need, serving as a reminder that true support must be rooted in understanding the real needs of those affected.
