I stand with Kantamanto!

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BONNIE 11 years ago

WHY WOULDN'T YOU STAND WITH KANTAMANTO AS A SUBVERSIVE CHARACTER & NATION WRECKER. IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE DANQUAH/BUSIA TRADITION, WHERE THE NPP IS COMING FROM TO USE EVIL & DEMONIC MEANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIM.EVEN THE VU ...
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WHY WOULDN'T YOU STAND WITH KANTAMANTO AS A SUBVERSIVE CHARACTER & NATION WRECKER. IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE DANQUAH/BUSIA TRADITION, WHERE THE NPP IS COMING FROM TO USE EVIL & DEMONIC MEANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIM.EVEN THE VULTURE UP THERE KNOWS FULLY WELL THAT THESE FIRE OUTBREAKS ARE THE EVIL HANDIWORK OF THE NPP.THEY GO UPSTREAM, STIRE THE WATER INTO MUD,THEN RUSH DOWN STREAM TO SHOUT,"HEY FOLKS, WHO DID THAT "?.THIS IS JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING. WE KNOW IT.SO STOP WASTING YOUR TIME. JB DANQUAH DID THAT TO HIS COUNTRY AS A CIA AGENT. BUSIA DID SAME BY TESTIFYIN TO THE SENATE IN NEW YORK AGAINST DR NKRUMAH. THIS IS NOT NEW.THAT IS YOUR TRADEMARK. PULL HIM DOWN, WICKEDNESS, SELFISHNESS & ABOVE ALL SELLING YOUR OWN COUNTRY FOR A PITTANCE. SHAME ON YOU!
mensah abrampa 11 years ago

This borders on inflammatory.Do you have any proof of everything you're saying? Your outbursts are simply misconceived,unfounded, irrational and paranoid. Who cares any longer about the blunt, loud dog whistle? This is the ol ...
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This borders on inflammatory.Do you have any proof of everything you're saying? Your outbursts are simply misconceived,unfounded, irrational and paranoid. Who cares any longer about the blunt, loud dog whistle? This is the old paranoid style of Ghana politics which emboldens bigoted minds to paint everyone else outside their comfort zone with the same brush strokes.They specialize in the creation of conspiracy theories that cause disaffection and civil unrest.We can only live in peace if all citizens are treated equal before the law and there's equal opportunity and equal rights for all. What's gravy for the goose is gravy for the gander.
Pelicles 10 years ago

Your outburst is that of a typical Ghanaian who cannot cut his outgrown finger nails making him look like a mad man.

Keep on living in the past as the world is leaving you behind. What evidence do you have to put the blam ...
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Your outburst is that of a typical Ghanaian who cannot cut his outgrown finger nails making him look like a mad man.

Keep on living in the past as the world is leaving you behind. What evidence do you have to put the blame on the opposition and did you hear what the AMA boss said right after the fire?
diaba k 10 years ago

BONNIE,why don't you leave politics out of this?
Traders at Kantamanto are first and foremost Ghanaians who have to make a living.
I think their fear is, if the Government should put up a new market only the rich ones and p ...
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BONNIE,why don't you leave politics out of this?
Traders at Kantamanto are first and foremost Ghanaians who have to make a living.
I think their fear is, if the Government should put up a new market only the rich ones and probably those connected would have the new stores to continue trading. This is a genuine concern and they deserve to raise their voice.
May be they have to be given the assurance that if a new market is built up they would be given the first priority and the rentals would be affordable.
May the Almighty Lord hear their prayers.
diaba k 10 years ago

BONNIE,why don't you leave politics out of this?
Kantamanso traders are first and foremost Ghanaians who have the right to make a living in this hash days of our life.
I think their fear is, if the GO
overnment should put ...
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BONNIE,why don't you leave politics out of this?
Kantamanso traders are first and foremost Ghanaians who have the right to make a living in this hash days of our life.
I think their fear is, if the GO
overnment should put up a new market only the rich ones among them and probably those who are well cnnected would have the new stores to continue trading.
This is obviousely a genuine concern and they deserve to raise their voice.
May be they have to be given the assurance that if a new market is built up they would be given the first priority in terms of the allocation of the stores and the rentals would be affordable considering their present predicament.
And of course the traders should be advised to take insurance policy for their wares.
Some of us managed to go to college due to hard work of poor traders at market not necessarily from Kantamanto.
May the Almighty Jehovah God hear their prayers.
BONNIE 11 years ago

WHY WOULDN'T YOU STAND WITH KANTAMANTO AS A SUBVERSIVE CHARACTER & NATION WRECKER. IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE DANQUAH/BUSIA TRADITION, WHERE THE NPP IS COMING FROM TO USE EVIL & DEMONIC MEANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIM.EVEN THE VU ...
read full comment

WHY WOULDN'T YOU STAND WITH KANTAMANTO AS A SUBVERSIVE CHARACTER & NATION WRECKER. IT IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE DANQUAH/BUSIA TRADITION, WHERE THE NPP IS COMING FROM TO USE EVIL & DEMONIC MEANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIM.EVEN THE VULTURE UP THERE KNOWS FULLY WELL THAT THESE FIRE OUTBREAKS ARE THE EVIL HANDIWORK OF THE NPP.THEY GO UPSTREAM, STIRE THE WATER INTO MUD,THEN RUSH DOWN STREAM TO SHOUT,"HEY FOLKS, WHO DID THAT "?.THIS IS JUST WHAT IS HAPPENING. WE KNOW IT.SO STOP WASTING YOUR TIME. JB DANQUAH DID THAT TO HIS COUNTRY AS A CIA AGENT. BUSIA DID SAME BY TESTIFYIN TO THE SENATE IN NEW YORK AGAINST DR NKRUMAH. THIS IS NOT NEW.THAT IS YOUR TRADEMARK. PULL HIM DOWN, WICKEDNESS, SELFISHNESS & ABOVE ALL SELLING YOUR OWN COUNTRY FOR A PITTANCE. SHAME ON YOU!
Bonso 10 years ago

AKYENA BRENTUO IS NDC SUPPORTER...EVERYONE KNOWS IT EXCEPT YOU..SO LEAVE NDC OUT OF IT

AKYENA BRENTUO IS NDC SUPPORTER...EVERYONE KNOWS IT EXCEPT YOU..SO LEAVE NDC OUT OF IT
Bonso 10 years ago

THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY GBEVLO LARTEY'S NATIONAL SECURITY OUTFIT TO PAVE WAY FOR THE CHINESE TO TAKE OVER THE WELL PLACED LAND...BET ME..NDC HAS ALREADY SOLD THE LAND TO THEIR SPONSOR OF EXIM BANK, WHO SPONSORED THEIR BRIBE-LA ...
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THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY GBEVLO LARTEY'S NATIONAL SECURITY OUTFIT TO PAVE WAY FOR THE CHINESE TO TAKE OVER THE WELL PLACED LAND...BET ME..NDC HAS ALREADY SOLD THE LAND TO THEIR SPONSOR OF EXIM BANK, WHO SPONSORED THEIR BRIBE-LADEN ELECTION CAMPAIGN
NDC FIAFFITOR
Marquis 11 years ago

Who says the Government is taking the market from the traders? If the poor traders can rebuild the market then they should prove to AMA and come up with the plans and drawings.

Who says the Government is taking the market from the traders? If the poor traders can rebuild the market then they should prove to AMA and come up with the plans and drawings.
Pelicles 10 years ago

FYI, the government is taking the market from the traders. NDC is giving the place for a South African company to erect a Mall. The AMA boss, after the fire, warned the traders not to go to the site for any reason and gave o ...
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FYI, the government is taking the market from the traders. NDC is giving the place for a South African company to erect a Mall. The AMA boss, after the fire, warned the traders not to go to the site for any reason and gave orders to arrest anyone who disobey the law. They have been told to go to Odaw Nar to continue their daily activities.

Does it make sense? The fire was intentional because the government is finding it difficult to move the traders who have chocked that part of Accra to the outskirts of the city.
Yaw Amofa 11 years ago

As much as it is extremely painful to lose one's livelihood in such circumstances, it also should not be taken as a licence for lawlessness! These traders want to be allowed to rebuild their shacks again, for another fire to ...
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As much as it is extremely painful to lose one's livelihood in such circumstances, it also should not be taken as a licence for lawlessness! These traders want to be allowed to rebuild their shacks again, for another fire to raze it down again? What is bloody wrong with Ghanaians? Why won't the govt muster bloody guts to revert the land to its railway station status? We want to progress, yet forgetting about railways development? We are pathethic lot!
Benny 10 years ago

These kantamanto market. I suggest the government must design a plan and then give the plan to those individuals to put up the building. And infracstructure and safety has to be provided by the government to assist them. No t ...
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These kantamanto market. I suggest the government must design a plan and then give the plan to those individuals to put up the building. And infracstructure and safety has to be provided by the government to assist them. No takeover must be encourage
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

I have every empathy for the traders at Kantamanto and like you, have shopped there over the years as indeed have many a Ghanaian (and foreigner visiting Ghana).

However I take serious issue with your statement that the t ...
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I have every empathy for the traders at Kantamanto and like you, have shopped there over the years as indeed have many a Ghanaian (and foreigner visiting Ghana).

However I take serious issue with your statement that the traders "have been let down by the country". On the contrary, the fact that the Railway Corporation (an institution of State) found it expedient to ALLOW them to "settle" there when it had ample opportunities to eject them and use that space for other developments shows commitment and understanding on the part of the state to the very issues you refer to: i.e. ordinary people trying to trade and help their families!!! If you would recall, Makola No 1 and No 2 were once similar in nature to Kantamanto - what one would describe as 'organised chaos' and somehow they functioned, and one knew where to find what despite the overcrowding, narrow alleyways and the like.

The Rawlings government (more out of spite) demolished both markets and in the case of Makola No 1, it was famously to "smoke out hoarders" whom his government felt were creating artificial shortages at a time of national crisis and bringing the nation to its knees!!! Interestingly many Ghanaians at the time seemed to "applaud" those actions by the government in the heady days of 1979 and the AFRC! Needless to say, Makola was rebuilt in several ways although No 1 has sadly failed to resurface except act to a large extent as a "car park" and in my view, that space could (and should) have been used to create e.g. an iconic mega multi-storey mall in the very centre of the city and given the area a completely different look apart from making it an economic mine field!!!

In all these, Kantamanto WAS SPARED! remained untouched to this day. My last visit there was in July 2012 when I observed with concern, the extent of overcrowding and the rather 'business as usual' attitude of both traders and their clients. Frankly, this was an accident waiting to happen and the fact that it has taken so long for such a major disaster in the area is in my own view a 'miracle in itself.

We have seen similar environments in major markets in Kumasi and elsewhere experience major fires and what the people of Kantamanto (and the AMA) should have done was learn from the fires from other similar markets and put the necessary checks in place to ensure they did not suffer a similar fate!!!

If the initial assessments are anything to go by, it appears this was from an electrical fault. You know full well the types of 'botched' electrical jobs that go on all over the place and if in this case we have had such a terrible accident with such massive loss of livelihoods, WE ALL EMPATHISE with the traders of Kantamanto as fellow Ghanaians and would wish and hope that government will help them recover from their losses. Please note that many of these traders were uninsured precisely because insurers saw them as 'HIGH RISK' given what I have just been describing. We cannot allow 'nature to take its course in everything we do. We as humans are endowed with intelligence to allow us to assess our environment and take concrete steps both to improve it and to prevent such happenings as this one.

I am wholly disappointed that these traders in their hour of need would shun government ministers and functionaries who visit to commisurate with them and to listen to their grievances, yet consort with the leader of the opposition NPP (you would probably argue perhaps because the majority of the traders hail from the Eastern region and so identify more with him).

How can a country feel ready to work with, and help people who in their hour of need demonstrate against government, use terrible slogans and somehow think they can vent their anger on government when the cause of the fire is primarily their own fault and neglect?

If you want others to empathise with Kantmanto traders and if these traders wish the nation and government to help them, then you should be advising them to behave more like Ghanaians and embrace all who wish to work with them in that regard and stop being partisan and selective in whom they wish to listen to or work with.

The issue of whether the Railway Corporation or government should take over the place for development is another one. The argument that they paid GHC150,000 for a 50 year lease is neither here nor there. I just returned from Kampala, Uganda where there was a similar scenario with an old market where the people simply refused to move despite government assurances about building a new modern market and guaranteeing them stalls. This is an issue we have in Africa and it is one of trust vs. the status quo.

If the traders of Kantmanto feel that they prefer to remain in that particular environment as it is, I believe there are others who would differ and equally argue that in the 21 st Century, for us to move to middle income status as a nation, we need to scale up the standards and structures within our environment, including giving a major face-lift to Kantamanto. Would you agree?
Nii Lante Okunka 10 years ago

To some change is anathema.They'll rather surround themselves with the filth and stench they are used to than modernize and come of age.It's a damn shame how people wallow in the past and never appreciate the benefits of rene ...
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To some change is anathema.They'll rather surround themselves with the filth and stench they are used to than modernize and come of age.It's a damn shame how people wallow in the past and never appreciate the benefits of renewal and change.
Whatever caused the fire at that horrible marketplace is a welcomed incident without which Katanmanto market would NEVER see the long overdue and needed face-lift.
Change is constant.We need to surround ourselves with clean,beautiful environments where we shop,dine and have leisure.Those who want to maintain the old filthy existence should be made to understand that life is full of changes and it's only through those changes that we can register sound and healthy development.We need to clean up our filthy environments so others who come to visit us would accord us the rightful respect and dignity as expected of civilized people.
This "stuck in the past attitude" is a drag on all of us.We need to move with the times and the only way to do this is to get rid of the dilapidated and disgusting manner in which we live and MODERNIZE!!!
Gye Nyame 10 years ago

I said the same yesterday, unfortunately, because of illiteracy in the society, the concept is too hard to understand. Our markets are appalling and the government needs to take advantage of the destruction to modernize and g ...
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I said the same yesterday, unfortunately, because of illiteracy in the society, the concept is too hard to understand. Our markets are appalling and the government needs to take advantage of the destruction to modernize and gentrify the market and the whole city. Of course, the traders should be giving the first choice at renting stalls after the modernization, and perhaps the government should guarantee loans for those who can’t afford the stalls.
KWAME AMOAKO 10 years ago

I like your concerned but the problem is that your Akufo Addo and his NPP cronies want to turn this sad and unfortunate incident into politics as usual.He, Akufo Addo has so far invited the trader for a meeting or whatever.Wh ...
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I like your concerned but the problem is that your Akufo Addo and his NPP cronies want to turn this sad and unfortunate incident into politics as usual.He, Akufo Addo has so far invited the trader for a meeting or whatever.What can Akufo Addo to about that since he has no power in this country, and will never have it! What did he tell the traders? Did Akufo Addo tell the traders that president Mahama was responsible for the fire outbreak? If not why did they demonstrated against the government delegations that went to to meet them? And why did they decide to honour the invitation of Akufo Addo, who can nnot help them any way? We all know that they voted for him but should that make them so stupid to such extend? In as much as we mourn with them,it is left to them to reason and accept the fact that Akufo Addo cannnot help them but the president.The land they claimed was given to them by the Railway and that the government has no right to it is laughable to say the least.Ignorant at work indeed! I called on this man Akufo Addo to stop such nonsense in the country.This country is not for him and he will never be presisent no matter what.Instaed solving his drug issues and fake certificate issues,he is trying to play politics with this sad event. A hopeless usless toothless arrogant old man!
Gaby Bruk 10 years ago

Mahama is the most stupid man in Ghana followed by Asiedu Nkatia. Imagine these stupid people are in control of the country.Very sad indeed

Mahama is the most stupid man in Ghana followed by Asiedu Nkatia. Imagine these stupid people are in control of the country.Very sad indeed
Nana 10 years ago

Somebody responding in name of Bonso has affirmed that GBEVLO-LARTEY is the one who burnt the market in order to pave a way for chinese to take the land.

This is an affirmation without any rational basis. This is very dang ...
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Somebody responding in name of Bonso has affirmed that GBEVLO-LARTEY is the one who burnt the market in order to pave a way for chinese to take the land.

This is an affirmation without any rational basis. This is very dangerous and irresponsible.

let's even suppose that this is true: is it a bad idea to build a big, competitive and modern market of whatever there and give job to educated people?

Are you Bonso for the modernization of Ghana or for a backward Ghana? Did you forget how was Ghana before the white men came in? You want your country to be like China but you don't want any change. Are you logic with yourself? NPP sold so many lands and bungalows in Accra, what have you done to prevent them from doing so? Is NPP really for the development of Ghana?

I am not NDC, believe me. I just want us to have a vision for our country.

I stand with Kantamanto!

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