A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto Market in Ghana’s capital, Accra, destroying one of the largest second-hand clothing markets in West Africa. The fire, which broke out late Wednesday evening, engulfed vast sections of the sprawling market, leaving thousands of traders without their livelihoods.
Emergency services, including 13 fire trucks from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), fought the blaze through the night, but by Thursday morning, only charred remains were visible where rows of market stalls had once bustled with activity. Goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi have been destroyed, leaving vendors struggling to rebuild.
“This tragedy has had a profound economic impact,” said Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for the GNFS. “While there have been no major casualties, the loss to the informal economy is severe, and it will take considerable effort to recover.”
Initial reports suggest that faulty electrical connections could have triggered the fire, although authorities have not ruled out arson. The GNFS is continuing efforts to fully extinguish the blaze, which may extend into Friday.
For many traders, the fire represents a life-altering catastrophe. One vendor described the destruction as devastating. “Everything I had, from my goods to my savings, was in this market. Now, it’s all gone,” the vendor said. “The government must step in to support us—without help, many of us will have no way to rebuild our businesses.”
Another vendor, a mother of three who has worked in the market for 12 years, echoed these sentiments. “This market has been the sole provider for my children’s education and daily needs. Now, all that’s left is ash,” the vendor said. She called on the government to provide financial assistance to help the displaced traders recover.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has launched an investigation into the fire, working with other agencies to determine its cause and provide immediate support to affected vendors. “We are deeply committed to identifying the cause of this disaster and assisting those affected by it,” said Richard Amo Yartey, a NADMO official.
David Kwadwo Amoateng, president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), emphasized the importance of a swift government response. “Kantamanto Market is crucial to Accra’s economy, and its loss has far-reaching consequences for the thousands who depend on it for their livelihoods,” Amoateng stated. “Traders urgently need emergency funding to recover from this disaster.”
Kantamanto Market, which serves over 30,000 traders, is a vital part of Accra’s Central Business District, supporting the informal economy and providing affordable goods to the public. The government has not yet issued a formal response to the tragedy, but calls for action are growing louder.
As authorities continue to investigate and recovery efforts begin, the future of the Kantamanto traders remains uncertain, with many hoping for swift government intervention to help them rebuild their lives.