Kantamanto Market Fire Recovery: Government Support Brings Hope to Thousands of Traders

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Government Steps In to Support Kantamanto Market Fire Victims

The Ghanaian government has stepped in to support traders at Kantamanto Market after a fire earlier this year destroyed thousands of shops and upended livelihoods. The National Investment Bank (NIB) has been tasked with providing financial support to help traders rebuild their businesses and get back on their feet.

The announcement was made during the reopening of the market in Accra. For months, Kantamanto remained closed after the fire that gutted more than 7,000 shops and disrupted the lives of over 30,000 traders. The blaze, which broke out on January 2, left behind widespread devastation and uncertainty.

At the reopening, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo praised the resilience of traders, noting that their determination to restart despite losing everything speaks to their strength and importance to Ghana’s economy.

Kantamanto Market Fire: A Blow to Livelihoods

The fire at Kantamanto was not just another tragic event. It struck at the heart of Ghana’s largest hub for second-hand clothing, known locally as “obroniwawu.” For decades, the market has sustained thousands of families who rely on small-scale trading to survive.

When the flames tore through the shops, they destroyed more than just goods and stalls. They disrupted family incomes that pay for food, rent, and school fees. The ripple effect spread far beyond the traders themselves. Drivers, suppliers, port workers, and even ordinary Ghanaians who depend on affordable clothing all felt the impact.

Government Financial Support Through NIB

To help revive the market, the government has created a support package through the National Investment Bank. The funds will provide traders with working capital to restock and restart their businesses.

According to Deputy Chief of Staff Bampoe Addo, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to restoring confidence and stability for the Kantamanto community.

Kantamanto Market Fire Victims Applaud Support

Traders have welcomed the news with cautious relief. Adutwum Atta Manu, General Secretary of the Kantamanto ‘Obroniwawu’ Businesses Association, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it was a lifeline for many who had lost everything.

He also highlighted the role of The Or Foundation, a non-profit that has been active in supporting the recovery process. The foundation has already distributed 1,000 fire extinguishers in the market to improve safety and reduce the risk of future disasters. Traders say this effort is an important step toward making the market safer and more resilient.

The Or Foundation: Building Back Safer

The Or Foundation has been central to recovery efforts at Kantamanto. Beyond emergency aid, the organization continues to work with traders to improve safety standards, advocate for fairer business conditions, and encourage sustainable practices in the second-hand clothing industry.

By combining government support with community-focused initiatives, Kantamanto is not just being rebuilt but being reshaped into a stronger and safer marketplace.

Kantamanto Market Fire: Lessons for the Future

The reopening of the market comes with hope but also lessons. Fires at major Ghanaian markets, from Makola to Kumasi Central, have been frequent and devastating. Experts continue to warn about the urgent need for better fire safety systems, improved market planning, and stricter enforcement of safety rules.

With fire extinguishers now in place and promises of better infrastructure, traders hope Kantamanto can serve as an example of resilience and preparedness for the future.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

The financial support from the government, coupled with the work of groups like The Or Foundation, points to a more hopeful future for traders. While rebuilding will take time and challenges remain, the determination of Kantamanto’s community reflects the strength of Ghanaian entrepreneurship.

For many, the reopening of the market is more than just a return to work. It is a symbol of recovery, perseverance, and the belief that, even after loss, there is a way forward.