The Paramount Chief of the Gbese Stool, Nii Ayi Bonte II, has issued a strong warning against the reconstruction of unauthorized structures on the Kantamanto lands following the devastating fire that destroyed approximately 7,000 shops and affected nearly 30,000 traders.
Addressing a press conference, Nii Ayi Bonte II emphasized that the Gbese Stool owns the Kantamanto lands, not the government. He further announced plans to partner with investors to develop the area into a modern commercial hub that maximizes its potential.
“The land has an owner, so no one should take the law into their hands and build any wooden structures. We will not accept this attitude again. That is why we are having this press conference to inform everyone that we are bringing in investors from April to change the place.
We are cautioning anyone who has put up any structures without our permission to pull them down because we will be sending a task force to the grounds to ensure no one puts up any illegal structures,” the chief stated.
The Gbese Stool has established a task force to ensure the removal of any illegal structures and to supervise the redevelopment process. The chief stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures, warning that unauthorized activities on the land will not be tolerated.
While sympathizing with the victims of the fire, Nii Ayi Bonte II reiterated the Stool’s commitment to working with investors to develop Kantamanto into a space that benefits both traders and the community. He assured stakeholders that the redevelopment will provide sustainable opportunities for businesses and the area’s long-term growth.
The fire, which erupted late Thursday night, caused widespread devastation, leaving many traders scrambling to salvage their goods. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with speculation ranging from electrical faults to arson.
