8 hours ago
Kantamanto Traders Rebuild After Devastating Fire, Netizens Express Concern
On January 2, 2025, a catastrophic fire swept through Accra's Kantamanto Market, one of the world's largest secondhand clothing hubs, displacing thousands of traders and destroying over 7,000 shops. The inferno claimed one life and left 14 others seriously injured, marking one of the most devastating incidents in the market's history.
In response to the disaster, The Or Foundation, an Accra-based non-profit organization, has donated GHS 1 million to support the market's reconstruction efforts. This significant contribution aims to cover the cost of lumber procured on credit from the neighboring Accra Timber Market, facilitating the rebuilding of stalls and sheds. The foundation has also pledged a broader emergency relief fund of GHS 15 million to aid in the market's recovery.
The Or Foundation's team, comprising over 100 young Ghanaians, has established relief tents within the market, providing essential support such as shade, first aid, water, and face masks for individuals involved in clearing debris and reconstruction. Additionally, the organization has funded the deployment of heavy equipment, including trucks and a payloader, in partnership with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to remove debris from the market to the Adepa Dumping Site, north of Accra.
Market leaders are actively engaging with the Electricity Company of Ghana to replace all wiring in the market to prevent future hazards. Discussions with security personnel are also underway to enhance safety measures. The Or Foundation has donated fire extinguishers to help mitigate future incidents and has announced an upcoming meeting with the Ghana National Fire Service to discuss strategies for ensuring market safety.
The devastating fire has drawn significant attention on social media, with netizens expressing concern over the traders' plight and the future of the market. Many have called for increased support from both local authorities and the global fashion industry to aid in the reconstruction efforts and to implement measures that prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Kantamanto Market plays a critical role in global fashion sustainability, handling approximately 15 million pieces of discarded clothing each week and recirculating 25 million secondhand items every month through resale, reuse, repair, and remanufacturing. The loss of this market not only affects the livelihoods of thousands of traders but also has significant implications for sustainable fashion practices worldwide.
As the rebuilding process continues, there is a collective call for support from the government, stakeholders, private individuals, corporate organizations, and the global fashion industry to contribute to the market's recovery. The resilience and determination of the Kantamanto traders serve as a testament to the community's strength, as they work tirelessly to restore their businesses and livelihoods.
Follow for more updates on the reconstruction efforts and ways to support the Kantamanto Market community.
Total Comments: 0