Devastating Fire Destroys Two-Thirds of Ghana's Kantamanto Secondhand Market

A significant fire has wreaked havoc on the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra, Ghana, destroying two-thirds of the market and leaving thousands of traders facing financial ruin. The fire began late on January 1 and quickly spread, prompting the Ghana National Fire Service to dispatch 13 fire tenders to combat the flames. Initial reports indicate that faulty electrical connections may have caused the blaze, though investigations into potential arson are ongoing. While there have been no severe casualties reported, the economic impact is expected to be substantial, with millions of Ghanaian cedis in goods destroyed. It is estimated that around 8,000 individuals, including stall owners and employees, have been directly affected by the disaster. Kantamanto is known for receiving approximately 15 million used garments from countries in the global North each week, supporting a thriving community of about 30,000 people. The market is a critical hub for those seeking alternatives to fast fashion, emphasizing resale, reuse, and upcycling. Community leaders and advocates are working tirelessly to clear the debris, with hopes of rebuilding the market within a week. However, concerns are mounting regarding the lack of governmental assistance and the urgent need for traders to resume their livelihoods. In response to the crisis, the Or Foundation has pledged $1 million for cleanup efforts and is appealing to the global fashion industry for additional support.

A significant fire swept through Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, on January 1, 2025, destroying approximately two-thirds of the sprawling secondhand clothing hub. The blaze, which ignited around 10 PM local time, prompted the Ghana National Fire Service to deploy 13 fire tenders to control the flames. Authorities report that goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi have been lost, although significant casualties have not been reported. According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical connections, with arson not being ruled out. The fire has impacted an estimated 8,000 people, many of whom depended on the market for their livelihoods. Alhassan Fatawu, a stall owner, expressed despair upon discovering that his business, where he created designs from secondhand materials, had been reduced to ashes. Before the incident, Kantamanto was known to receive around 15 million secondhand garments from the Global North each week, serving as a vital resource for approximately 30,000 people involved in reselling, repairing, and upcycling clothing. Yayra Agbofah, founder of a community-led initiative, noted the urgency to rebuild, stating, "People have to return to work because they don’t have anything." The Or Foundation, an organization focused on textile waste, has pledged $1 million to the recovery efforts and is urging support from the global fashion industry. Creative director Daniel Mawuli Quist emphasized the need for true sustainability within the fashion ecosystem, highlighting the importance of valuing every part of the supply chain. As cleanup operations continue, the community remains hopeful for a swift recovery, but concerns linger for the many families who have lost everything.

A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra, Ghana, destroying approximately two-thirds of the facility and affecting thousands of traders. The blaze erupted around 10 PM on January 1, 2025, resulting in millions of Ghanaian cedi lost in goods and materials. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded with 13 fire tenders, managing to contain the flames, but not before extensive damage was done. Fortunately, no severe casualties have been reported, according to GNFS spokesperson Alex King Nartey, who indicated that investigations are ongoing into the causes, which may include faulty electrical connections. Kantamanto, a vital hub for approximately 30,000 people, received an estimated 15 million secondhand garments weekly from countries in the global north prior to the fire. Local traders observed the quick destruction of their stalls, and many are now grappling with significant losses that threaten their livelihoods. Community leader Yayra Agbofah remarked on the urgency of the situation, stating that efforts to rebuild the market must commence quickly to allow traders to return to work. The Or Foundation has pledged $1 million to assist with the cleanup and is urging the global fashion industry to provide additional support, emphasizing the need for a sustainable circular system in the fashion sector. The aftermath of this disaster reveals the essential role of Kantamanto in combating fast fashion and offering an alternative model for textile resale and reuse. Many affected individuals face an uncertain future without immediate government support or resources to recover.