Accra: Scrap dealers, scavengers, and some roadside vendors have capitalized on the recent fire behind the Royal VVIP Station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, seizing the chance to earn money from the disaster. As the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly cleared the charred trading area, these individuals were seen scouring the debris for salvageable materials.
According to Ghana News Agency, the fire, which broke out on Tuesday, consumed over 50 makeshift shops and wooden structures. While the blaze caused panic and sent thick black smoke across the transport hub, it opened up economic opportunities for those eager to collect and resell items. Mr. Abdul Majid, a farmer and scrap dealer, remarked on the irony of the situation, acknowledging the mixed emotions of loss and opportunity.
Mr. Majid explained the process of collecting scrap materials, which are then sold at scrap yards for a profit. "If you are lucky, you can get about GHS70 from one sack," he noted, highlighting the potential earnings for those willing to put in the effort. He emphasized the abundance of materials, suggesting that even with a thousand collectors, there would still be plenty to go around.
Another anonymous scavenger focused on retrieving phone accessories, which he plans to clean and sell roadside. Despite the immediate economic gains, there is a collective call for the rapid reconstruction of the area to allow affected traders to resume their businesses.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but fortunately, no casualties were reported. The fire's destruction included kiosks filled with goods like gas cylinders and electrical appliances, exacerbating the intensity of the blaze.