Ghanaian football icon Asamoah Gyan has made headlines following his controversial remarks about the recent fire at Kantamanto Market in Accra, which destroyed over 100 shops.
The former Black Stars captain, during an Instagram Live session on January 2, 2025, speculated that political parties in Ghana, specifically the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), could be behind the devastating blaze.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/A7qxs-WulsI
The fire, which broke out around 1:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025, left countless traders counting their losses as their shops were engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, but Gyan’s comments have sparked a wave of debate across social media and among the public.
During the live session, Gyan questioned the possibility of political involvement, suggesting that both major parties might have reasons for orchestrating the fire. “What is going on? It can be NPP or NDC. The NPP can burn the place to irritate the people, while the NDC could use the fire as a secret plan to clear the space for a project,” Gyan speculated.
The footballer went on to elaborate, suggesting that the NDC might attempt to take advantage of the situation by requesting state funds for reconstruction, while the NPP could potentially start the fire and blame the NDC in the process.
While Gyan emphasized that he was not taking sides in the matter, his statement has certainly drawn mixed reactions from both supporters and detractors. Some believe that his comments could be seen as irresponsible, especially given the severity of the situation and the grief it has caused to the traders affected by the fire.
As the incident continues to unfold, authorities are yet to confirm any link to political motives, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Meanwhile, many are left questioning the impact of Gyan’s comments on the sensitive matter, particularly in a politically charged atmosphere.
The fire at Kantamanto has left many traders devastated, as their livelihoods have been destroyed. The market, known for its vibrant trade in clothing, accessories, and various goods, is a central hub for commerce in the capital city. In the aftermath of the blaze, local authorities and fire service officials are working to assess the damage and provide assistance to the affected traders.
As the investigation continues, the people of Ghana, along with political leaders, await further clarification on the true cause of the fire, while many are calling for support for the victims of this tragic incident.
