By: Qwofi Emma
Accra, Ghana – March 29,2025 – Businessman and philanthropist Ken Ohene Agyapong has pledged his commitment to assisting the Kantamanto community in Accra, which suffered a devastating fire outbreak on 2nd January. During a recent visit to assess the situation firsthand, he announced his plan to provide much-needed streetlight poles and electrical cables to enhance security and accessibility in the area.
Mr. Agyapong, who was unable to visit the community immediately after the incident due to prior engagements, made the trip to engage with residents and discuss their most pressing needs. Initially, he believed they required only streetlights, but he later realised that the area lacked the necessary poles to support the lighting infrastructure.
“I offered a contribution of GHC 100,000, but the community members declined to accept the money directly due to concerns over accountability. Instead, they requested that I personally procure the streetlight poles and cables for them. This is a sign of a serious-minded community that prioritises development over financial aid,” he stated.
The Kantamanto community has been grappling with poor accessibility, which worsened the impact of the fire incident. Mr. Agyapong highlighted the urgent need to decongest the area to allow for easy access by emergency services. “The current layout makes it difficult for fire engines to navigate, which is why I stressed the importance of clearing pathways to ensure emergency response vehicles can operate efficiently,” he explained.
He further revealed that the cost of fulfilling the community’s request would exceed his initial pledge. The residents require 40 streetlight poles, having already purchased 10. With each pole costing approximately GHC 3,500, an estimated GHC 75,000 is needed to cover the remaining 30 poles, excluding the expensive electrical cables. “I should have asked for the exact quantity of cables required earlier, but I will return to finalise the provisions once the poles are delivered,” he added.
Calling for broader support, Mr. Agyapong urged the government and local authorities to assist in rebuilding the affected area. “This should not be a political issue. Fire outbreaks affect everyone, and we must work together to improve infrastructure and safety in our communities,” he emphasised.
Residents have expressed their appreciation for his swift intervention and dedication to tangible solutions. They remain hopeful that with additional support, their community will recover and be better prepared to prevent similar disasters in the future.
