Ghanaian sprinting star and national 100m record holder, Benjamin Azamati, has extended a helping hand to victims of the devastating fire that engulfed the Kantamanto Market. The athlete donated GH¢10,000 to assist those affected by the tragedy.
The fire, which broke out on January 1, 2025, in Accra’s bustling Central Business District, left numerous traders in despair, with hundreds impacted and 14 individuals sustaining serious injuries. In response, Azamati demonstrated his commitment to community welfare by providing financial support to help ease the plight of the victims.
In a heartfelt statement, Azamati shared:
*”The destruction caused by the fire has deeply saddened me. I stand in solidarity with all those affected, reminding them they are not alone.
“As an athlete, I understand the importance of opportunities and the value of support in achieving one’s goals. However, I believe true greatness lies in using our success to uplift others. My donation is a gesture of hope, compassion, and unity, dedicated to everyone whose lives have been disrupted by this disaster.”*
The sprinter, through his management representative Duke Odoi of DC SportConnect, emphasized that this act of kindness reflects his birthday wish for families and individuals impacted by the fire.
Kantamanto Market Manager, Adutwum Atta Manu, expressed his gratitude, stating:
“This fire was devastating and unprecedented. We are immensely thankful to Benjamin Azamati for his generosity. His contribution will go a long way in supporting those in need.”
The tragic incident has sparked calls for additional assistance from other sports personalities and public figures to help the victims rebuild their lives.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed authorities to strengthen security measures at major markets across the country, aiming to prevent similar disasters in the future.