Mothers and Children Endangered by Kantamanto Fire
In the wake of the devastating Kantamanto market fire on January 2, 2025, scavenging mothers placed themselves and their children in grave danger as they sought metal scraps from the debris to sell for survival. Ignoring the thick toxic smoke billowing from the ruins, these women exposed their children, some strapped to their backs, to hazardous conditions. Many children showed visible signs of distress, such as persistent coughing and rubbing their irritated eyes. Concerned bystanders criticized the mothers, arguing that the children should have been left in safer places. However, for these families, the urgent need to earn a livelihood appeared to outweigh the significant health risks posed by the smoke.
The toxic fumes from the fire contained harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which experts identify as major health hazards. Particulate matter, the primary threat in wildfire smoke, is composed of a mix of harmful substances such as soot, organic chemicals, and metal particles. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants can irritate the eyes and airways, causing symptoms like coughing, headaches, and sinus issues. For those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, the risks are even greater, as smoke can exacerbate their symptoms. Despite the visible danger, the desperation of these mothers highlights the dire economic situations faced by many, compelling them to take such risks for the sake of survival.
The fire, which began in the early hours of the morning, destroyed thousands of stalls and goods worth millions of cedis. The affected traders, devastated by their losses, have called on the government for immediate assistance to recover from the disaster. The tragedy not only underscores the harsh realities of economic survival for many Ghanaians but also raises concerns about the need for better emergency response systems and public awareness of the dangers of toxic environments. As the Kantamanto community struggles to rebuild, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the intersection between poverty, health, and survival in the face of such disasters.
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