Businessman and philanthropist Emmanuel Aboagye, popularly known as Aboagye Contractor, has donated GH₵500,000 to support traders whose shops were destroyed in the March 21 fire outbreak at the Central Business District in the Ashanti Region.
During a visit to the affected area, Aboagye Contractor offered words of encouragement to the victims, acknowledging the devastating impact of the fire, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, March 21, leaving many traders struggling to salvage their goods.
In response to their plight, he presented the GH₵500,000 donation to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to aid the affected individuals.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, for his dedication to supporting the less privileged, especially the victims of the Adum Railway Market fire. I also acknowledge the President’s visit to the scene to offer comfort and assistance,” he said.
“As a native of Kumasi, I understand the crucial role traders play in our economy. My wife and I run a charity foundation that provides aid to the less privileged, within our financial capacity. So when the Regional Minister approached me for support, we saw it as our collective duty to help. That is why we are here today, donating GH₵500,000 to support our brothers and sisters through the Minister,” he added with a warm smile.
He urged the Ghanaian business community to offer assistance to the victims and help them bounce back from their losses.
“I further call on the business community to also come on board to support our struggling sisters and brothers financially and psychologically to enable them to restart their businesses. I believe your presence here will strengthen them during this critical moment and help them remain stable. What I can say at the moment is that may the Lord comfort you all so you can recover from this great loss,” he said.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who accepted the donation on behalf of the victims, acknowledged the support with gratitude. He reassured the affected victims that the government would provide support to help them rebuild their businesses.
“Our brother, Aboagye Contractor, who is based in Accra, came to my office and made a donation of GH₵500,000. I told him that we should come here so he could share some words of encouragement with you, the victims.
“I believe hearing from him will provide psychological support during this difficult time. So, on behalf of the traders, I want to thank you for your support,” he said.
“Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the landlord, is currently out of the country. Therefore, the rebuilding of the market cannot start now. However, the government will take the necessary steps when he returns in the interest of the affected traders,” he stated.
