A devastating fire has ravaged Accra’s Kantamanto market, impacting over 30,000 vendors who relied on second-hand clothing sales. Emergency services responded quickly, but the economic fallout is significant, with millions in losses reported. Many traders, like Fred Asiedu and Adjoa Amu, face uncertain futures as their livelihoods have been destroyed. Investigations into the fire’s cause, potentially linked to an electrical fault or arson, are ongoing, while calls for government aid grow louder.
Massive Fire Devastates Accra’s Thrift Market
A catastrophic fire has obliterated the main second-hand clothing market in Accra, Ghana, leaving thousands of traders grappling with substantial losses and threatening the local economy, according to officials. The blaze erupted late Wednesday night, engulfing extensive areas of the renowned Kantamanto market, a vital hub for over 30,000 vendors in the heart of the city.
The disaster has not only displaced countless traders but also sparked emotional turmoil within the community. Many vendors, who relied on the resale of second-hand clothing imported predominantly from Europe, now face an uncertain future as the once-thriving market has been reduced to mere ashes.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly, deploying thirteen fire trucks to tackle the inferno. By Thursday morning, the scene was one of devastation, with smoking ruins stretching as far as the eye could see, highlighting the extent of the destruction.
“It’s a disaster,” stated Alex King Nartey, the GNFS spokesperson. “While we have thankfully not recorded any serious injuries, the economic impact is staggering.” Initial investigations suggest that an electrical fault may have ignited the blaze, although the possibility of arson has not been ruled out. Efforts to completely extinguish the fire are expected to continue until Friday.
The financial losses incurred from this incident are estimated to run into millions in local currency, affecting countless livelihoods. As the government has yet to announce a formal response to this tragedy, traders like Fred Asiedu express desperation. “Everything I owned was here – my goods, my savings, my future… Now, everything is lost,” he lamented. “How do I restart my business? The government must intervene. Without help, our lives will become unbearable.”
Adjoa Amu, a mother of three, echoed these sentiments, sharing how the market had been her sole income source for twelve years. “This market feeds my children, allows me to pay their school fees. And now, there is nothing left but ashes…” she said, visibly distressed.
Richard Amo Yartey, a representative from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), confirmed that investigations into the fire’s origins are underway. “The extent of the destruction is heartbreaking, but we are determined to identify the causes and provide timely assistance to the affected traders,” he assured.
David Kwadwo Amoateng, president of the Ghana Traders Association (TAGG), urged the government to act promptly, emphasizing the market’s crucial role in the local economy. “Traders need an emergency aid fund to cope with this situation. Without immediate intervention, the livelihood of thousands is at stake,” he warned.