Viral video captures Kumasi-Adum traders rejecting Ministerial aid presented by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak following the devastation caused by fires in their market.
In a striking display of frustration, traders at the Kumasi-Adum PZ market unanimously rejected a donation of 1,500 bags of rice and 8,000 boxes of cooking oil from Interior Minister Hon.Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka on March 26, 2025.
VIDEO: Kumasi Adum Traders Turn Away Ministerial Aid Presented by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak
Video footage circulating online captured the tense moment as traders voiced their discontent, arguing that rice and oil would do little to restore their lost inventories or secure their economic future. “We need money to start again, not food to eat today and starve tomorrow,” one trader shouted, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
The gesture, intended to provide relief following a devastating fire that ravaged the market on March 21, was met with jeers and chants of “We don’t want rice!” as the traders made it clear that food supplies were not the remedy they sought.
The blaze, which destroyed numerous shops and livelihoods in the bustling commercial hub, has left the community reeling, and the traders’ refusal underscores a deeper demand for practical, long-term support to rebuild their businesses.
The rejection unfolded during Muntaka’s visit to the fire-ravaged site, where he arrived with a convoy of relief items alongside Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and NADMO officials.
The traders also expressed fears of eviction from the land, urging the government to prioritize reconstructing the market over temporary handouts—a plea that highlights the disconnect between official aid efforts and the victims’ immediate needs.
Despite the chilly reception, Muntaka maintained that the government remains committed to supporting the Adum traders, emphasizing the importance of responsive leadership in times of crisis.
In a statement posted on social media, he acknowledged the scale of the disaster and promised further action, though specifics remained vague. Meanwhile, the donated items were reportedly accepted by Chairman Tieku Addai on behalf of various trader groups, who expressed gratitude but reiterated that rebuilding the market was the priority.
