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

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A massive cleanup operation is underway in Ghana following a fire that ravaged the Kantamanto secondhand clothing market in Accra. The blaze, which broke out around 10 PM on January 1, 2025, destroyed thousands of stalls and is believed to have been sparked by faulty electrical connections, though arson has not been ruled out.

Emergency services deployed 13 fire tenders, managing to control the flames but too late to save the extensive market, which is vital for the livelihoods of approximately 30,000 people. Initial estimates suggest that as many as 8,000 individuals have already been significantly impacted by the destruction, with damages amounting to millions of Ghanaian cedi.

Local traders, such as Alhassan Fatawu, expressed devastation over their losses and the sudden disruption to their daily income. "Everything has gone," he lamented, reflecting the widespread sentiment among those affected.

The Kantamanto market had been a critical hub for secondhand clothing, receiving an estimated 15 million garments weekly from the global north. It played a crucial role in promoting sustainability through resale and recycling practices. In response to the crisis, the Or Foundation has pledged $1 million towards cleanup efforts and is urging support from the global fashion industry.

As community members begin to sift through the ashes, calls for government assistance remain unfulfilled. Many traders are in debt, and the path to rebuilding the market may take considerable time and resources.

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