Traders at the Makola Shopping Mall are urging the government to provide financial support directly to them rather than channeling it through the market’s managers, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
The traders argue that if any relief package is entrusted to SSNIT for distribution, they fear it may not reach them. Thus, they are requesting that any assistance is given directly to them.
A recent late-night fire on October 20 resulted in significant damage to the Makola Shopping Mall, including the destruction of around 200 makeshift structures and merchandise valued at millions of Ghana cedis.
Some traders also expressed concerns about inequitable treatment in similar situations and are calling on the government to engage with them directly this time.
“The last time there was fire here, they didn’t pay us and I don’t know if someone is more Ghanaian than the other because others are paid and others are not paid and so if there is something that the government will want to give us, it should not pass through SSNIT because it will not get to us, it should come directly to us.”
