Deputy Minister Designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Hon. Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has alleged that a man known as Oboy is behind the fire that ravaged the Kantamanto market. The fire, which broke out late Wednesday night, destroyed several properties and has left many traders in despair.
According to the deputy minister, the suspect’s real name is Quaicoo, but he is widely referred to as Oboy in the Kantamanto community. He is reportedly a known sympathizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking during a radio interview, Mr. Assafuah claimed that the incident was politically motivated, suggesting that tensions from the recently concluded general elections played a role in the devastating event.
“Anybody familiar with Kantamanto knows it is a close-knit community where people live and work together harmoniously. It is highly unlikely for someone from the community to intentionally start a fire that would destroy the livelihoods of their neighbors,” Mr. Assafuah remarked.
He further alleged that Quaicoo, who had served as a polling agent for the NDC, has been struggling financially following a recent divorce. According to the deputy minister, the suspect’s financial troubles and alleged politicking may have driven him to commit such an act.
Mr. Assafuah also shared details of an eyewitness account that seemingly implicates Oboy. A woman from the market told me that she saw Quaicoo, also known as Oboy, passing by the market shortly before the fire started. This happened around 11 p.m. he disclosed. To protect the identity of this individual, I will keep their name confidential.”
The allegations have sparked widespread reactions, with many calling for thorough investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire. While some have criticized the deputy minister for making politically charged claims without concrete evidence, others have urged authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the affected traders.
As investigations into the Kantamanto fire continue, the incident has once again brought attention to the vulnerabilities of Ghana’s marketplaces and the devastating impact of fires on local communities. The government has been urged to prioritize market safety and provide relief for victims as the case unfolds.
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