(Source: The Guardian) A catastrophic fire has ravaged one of the world’s largest secondhand clothing markets, Kantamanto, in Accra, Ghana, displacing thousands of traders and causing an estimated loss worth millions of local cedi. The fire, which began around 10 pm on January 1st, tore through vast sections of the sprawling market, destroying two-thirds of the stalls and devastating the livelihoods of those who depend on it for survival.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly, deploying 13 fire tenders to combat the flames, but despite their efforts, large areas of the market were left in smoldering ruins by Thursday morning. While no severe casualties have been reported, the economic toll is immense, with thousands of traders now facing uncertain futures.
Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for GNFS, confirmed that preliminary investigations point to faulty electrical connections as a possible cause of the fire, although the possibility of arson has not been ruled out. As fire-fighting efforts continue, officials fear the full extent of the damage will only become clear as investigations unfold.
Richard Amo Yartey, an official with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), said that probes into what prompted the incident had begun in collaboration with other agencies. “The scale of destruction is heart-wrenching, but we are committed to identifying the root cause and providing immediate relief to affected traders,” he said. The president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), David Kwadwo Amoateng, urged the government to act swiftly, adding that the “market is a vital part of our economy”. “The traders here need emergency funding to get back on their feet. Without immediate intervention, thousands of livelihoods are at risk,” he told AFP.
Kantamanto Market, a vital part of Ghana’s informal economy, is not only a hub for secondhand clothes but also a crucial center for creative upcycling and repair businesses. Every week, an estimated 15 million used garments from the global north – including countries like the US, UK, and China – arrive at the market. The market recirculates about 25 million secondhand pieces of clothing every month, making it a lifeline for both traders and consumers.
The fire’s destruction has left traders like Alhassan Fatawu in utter despair. Fatawu, who made and sold clothing designs from secondhand materials, was notified in the early hours of Thursday that his stall had been destroyed. “I found burnt stalls. There were still parts burning,” he said, visibly shaken. “I couldn’t salvage a thing. Everything has gone. Now my daily bread has been cut.”
For many traders, like Fred Asiedu and Adjoa Amu, the loss is devastating. Asiedu, who invested his savings into his market stall, said, “Everything I own was here – my wares, my savings, my future. Now, it’s all gone.” Amu, a mother of three who has sold goods at Kantamanto for 12 years, echoed similar sentiments: “Now, I am left with nothing but ashes.”
The Or Foundation, which advocates against textile waste in Ghana, has pledged $1 million to support the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. The organization has called on the global fashion industry to show solidarity and assist with the recovery process. “This is a critical moment for the global fashion ecosystem to show that true sustainability is more than just buzzwords – it’s about valuing every part of the supply chain,” said Daniel Mawuli Quist, the foundation’s creative director.
The market is home to over 30,000 traders, many of whom have lost everything. Yayra Agbofah, founder of the Revival community organization, was among those clearing debris at the site on Friday morning. “The goal is to rebuild in a week,” Agbofah said. “People have to return to work because they don’t have anything. We have to take things into our own hands.”
Despite the heavy losses, there is a shared resolve among traders and community leaders to rebuild the market and restore livelihoods. “The government needs to step in,” said David Kwadwo Amoateng, president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana. “Without emergency funding, thousands of livelihoods are at risk.”
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, traders remain hopeful for support, with the government yet to announce a formal response to the tragedy. For now, however, the road to recovery looks long, and for many, it’s a fight to reclaim their livelihoods from the ashes.
