The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma South constituency, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, has strongly refuted claims regarding his alleged involvement in the Kantamanto fire incident.
Reports have circulated suggesting that Mr Vanderpuije orchestrated the destruction of the used clothing market with the aim of seizing the land for the incoming NDC administration to construct a shopping mall.
In the early hours of January 2, 2025, a catastrophic fire engulfed the Kantamanto Market in Accra, leaving traders devastated as they assessed their losses.
The market, renowned for its lively atmosphere and wide variety of products, was completely consumed by flames within a few hours.
In a statement issued on January 4, the MP for Ablekuma South expressed his sympathies for the affected traders and described the allegations as “completely untrue and without any basis.”
On January 4, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South released a statement in which he extended his condolences to the traders impacted by the situation and characterized the allegations as “completely untrue and without any basis.”
“My attention has been drawn to the false allegations that have been circulating about my involvement in the inferno that razed Kantamanto; the popularly used clothing hub in Accra which caused traders to lose their wares.
“While I commiserate with the traders, I wish to state categorically that as a former Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, I want to categorically deny these allegations and set the records straight.
“The allegations claim that I was behind the burning of the used clothing hub with the intention of claiming the land for the yet-to-be-sworn-in NDC government to build a mall in 2025 and beyond. However, this is completely untrue and without any basis.
“I have always been committed to serving the people of Accra and Ghana, and I would never engage in any activity that would harm the community or undermine the trust that has been placed in me.”
He stated that the accusations constituted a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
He stated that he would not engage in actions that could jeopardize the community’s trust.
“I have always been committed to serving the people of Accra and Ghana, and I would never engage in any activity that would harm the community or undermine the trust that has been placed in me.”
Click here to read the statement by Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije
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