I express profound disappointment with the 2025 Financial and Budget Statement presented by the Finance Minister, Hon. Ato Forson. The statement notably fails to acknowledge or address the challenges faced by numerous hardworking women who have lost their livelihoods and properties due to recent market fires.
On January 2, 2025, a devastating fire outbreak occurred at Katamanto in the Greater Accra Region, resulting in significant losses for traders amounting to approximately $1.7 million (equivalent to GH¢25,500,000). On January 23, 2025, the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, through the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, provided a donation of GH¢1 million to support the affected Katamanto traders. However, this sum is inadequate when compared to the extensive losses incurred, which are nearly GH¢26 million. The President further assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to redesigning the market into a multi-purpose facility to mitigate future disasters. Thus, it is disconcerting that the Finance Minister made no reference to support for the Katamanto market traders or to the government’s proposed redesign plans.
In addition to the incident at Katamanto, fire outbreaks also transpired in the Kwadaso Wood Market on January 4, 2025, and the Kejetia Market on January 24, 2025, both situated in the Ashanti Region. Furthermore, fires impacted the Tamale Timber Market in the Northern Region on January 6, 2025, and the Techiman Market in the Bono East Region on January 12 and February 9, 2025. A recent fire outbreak in Konongo-Odumase, Ashanti Region, tragically resulted in the loss of three lives and injuries to numerous individuals.
While the budget outlines various allocations and initiatives, it fails to address the dire circumstances of women who have suffered losses due to these market fires. This oversight represents not only disappointing neglect but also an egregious injustice to the industrious women who significantly contribute to the informal economy. Such omissions contradict the Finance Minister’s stated commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth, as articulated on page 28 of the 2025 Budget Statement.
It is particularly alarming that the government has not provided any form of assistance or relief for these women, despite the considerable financial and emotional distress they have experienced. The lack of acknowledgement or plans for compensation to assist these women in rebuilding their livelihoods is equally concerning.
Moreover, the absence of budgetary allocations or commitments to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) or other relevant agencies reveals a troubling lack of commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery. This oversight raises significant questions about the government’s readiness to respond effectively to emergencies that impact vulnerable citizens nationwide. Given the increasing frequency of market fires and other natural disasters, such neglect is unacceptable.
Additionally, I express concern regarding the disproportionate allocation of resources to certain constituencies recently affected by natural disasters. The government has allocated GH¢242.5 million to support victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage and GH¢200 million for those impacted by tidal wave disasters in Agavedzi and surrounding communities within the Ketu South Constituency (as noted on page 58 of the 2025 Budget Statement). While it is imperative to support all affected communities, such allocations must be executed equitably and transparently. The selective distribution of funds based on political considerations raises fundamental questions regarding fairness and priority, particularly when other regions and demographics, such as women affected by market fires in the Northern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Bono East Regions, are neglected.
The Finance Minister and the government must recognize that every Ghanaian, irrespective of geographical location or political affiliation, deserves equal attention and support during times of crisis. It is deeply troubling that the unique needs of women have been overlooked in the 2025 budget. Women traders, who constitute a significant portion of our informal sector, are now obligated to navigate the aftermath of these devastating fires alone. This situation presents not only an issue of gender equity but also an economic challenge, as their contributions are vital to the overall economy.
I call on the government and the Finance Minister to take immediate action on the following points:
1. Support for Affected Women: I urge the government to establish a special fund to support women who have lost their properties and livelihoods due to the market fires. This fund should provide financial assistance, access to credit, and resources to help them rebuild their businesses. These women are vital contributors to our economy, and neglecting their needs will exacerbate poverty and economic instability.
2. Adequate Resources for Disaster Management: Allocate sufficient resources to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other disaster management agencies. This will enable them to effectively prevent and respond to emergencies nationwide rather than relying on ad hoc interventions that only benefit select communities. Investments should include modern firefighting equipment, early warning systems, and community education programs.
3. Fair and Transparent Disaster Relief Policy: Implement a fair and transparent disaster relief policy that ensures government assistance is distributed equitably across all regions and affected groups without bias or favouritism. Transparency in the allocation process is crucial to ensure fairness and maintain public trust.
4. Long-term Solutions: Beyond immediate support, the government should implement long-term measures to prevent market fires and other disasters. This includes improving market infrastructure, enforcing safety regulations, and promoting insurance schemes for traders.
In conclusion, I urge the government and the Finance Minister to address these issues and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting all Ghanaians, especially those who are most vulnerable. The women affected by the market fires deserve our support, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are not left behind. Ghana belongs to all of us, and governance should not be reduced to political favouritism. I urge the Finance Minister and the government to do the right thing and ensure that disaster relief and economic recovery efforts are inclusive and fair.
Hon. Fatahiya Abdul Aziz
Member of Parliament for the Savelugu Constituency
Deputy Ranking Member (Committee for Gender, Women and Social Welfare)
12th March, 2025
