One Year After Fire: Kantamanto Traders Lament Decline in Business

Exactly one year after a catastrophic blaze destroyed parts of Accra’s iconic Kantamanto Market, traders report that business activity has yet to fully recover. Despite reconstruction efforts and enhanced safety measures, the market—West Africa’s largest hub for secondhand clothing and household goods—still faces challenges in regaining its former vibrancy.

Introduction

The Kantamanto Market, located in the heart of Accra, Ghana, is more than just a commercial center; it’s a cultural and economic institution. Known for its bustling atmosphere and affordable secondhand clothing, the market serves millions of customers across West Africa. However, a devastating fire on January 6, 2025, severely damaged large sections of the market, displacing hundreds of traders and destroying inventory worth millions of Ghana cedis.

As the market marks one year since the incident, traders—many of them women—continue to face economic hardships. While reconstruction has begun and safety protocols have been strengthened, business volumes remain below pre-fire levels. This article explores the current state of the market, the challenges traders face, and the steps being taken to ensure a sustainable recovery.

Key Points

Background

The Kantamanto Market: A Vital Economic Hub

The Kantamanto Market, also known as the Makola Market complex, is one of the largest informal markets in West Africa. It serves as a critical distribution center for secondhand clothing and household items, with goods imported from Europe and North America. The market supports over 100,000 traders and their families, making it a cornerstone of Accra’s informal economy.

The market’s significance extends beyond commerce. It is a social hub where women traders play a dominant role, contributing to household incomes and community development. Many traders operate small stalls, selling items in bulk or retail, and rely on daily sales to meet basic needs.

The Fire Incident

On January 6, 2025, a fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, quickly spreading through the densely packed stalls. The blaze destroyed hundreds of shops and tons of inventory, including clothing bales, electronics, and household goods. Emergency services responded, but the market’s narrow alleys and lack of fire hydrants hampered efforts.

The fire displaced hundreds of traders, many of whom lost their entire livelihoods. The incident highlighted long-standing concerns about fire safety, electrical wiring, and infrastructure in the market.

Analysis

Safety and Security Improvements

In response to the fire, the Kantamanto Market Association, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service, Police, and National Security, has implemented several safety measures:

• Fire Service Presence: Fire personnel now operate in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock monitoring.
• Security Deployment: Police and National Security officers are stationed at key points throughout the market.
• Curfew Enforcement: All traders and visitors must leave the market by 6:00 PM daily, allowing for cleaning and夜间 security sweeps.
• Fire Extinguishers: Approximately 1,000 fire extinguishers have been distributed, with 170 permanently mounted at strategic locations.
• Illegal Wiring Crackdown: The association is actively identifying and sanctioning traders using unsafe electrical connections.

These measures have improved safety, but challenges remain. The market’s infrastructure is still largely wooden and temporary, making it vulnerable to future incidents.

Economic Challenges Facing Traders

While safety has improved, economic recovery has been slow. Key issues include:

• Loss of Capital: Many traders lost their entire inventory and lack the funds to restock fully.
• High Import Costs: Secondhand clothing bales remain expensive due to middlemen markups, despite reduced import duties.
• Lack of Insurance: Most traders cannot afford insurance, and providers consider the market high-risk due to its structure.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Poor lighting, lack of clean water, and unreliable electricity affect trading conditions.
• Customer Perception: Some customers believe the market has not fully reopened, reducing foot traffic.

Stakeholder Responses

The market leadership has called for increased support from both government and private sectors. Key requests include:

• Completion of an ultramodern market design approved by the President.
• Provision of CCTV cameras pledged by political leaders for enhanced surveillance.
• Access to communication devices and logistical support for security teams.
• Direct import support to bypass middlemen and reduce costs.
• Relocation of roadside vendors to reduce congestion and restore market flow.

Practical Advice

For Traders

1. Form Cooperatives: Join or strengthen trader associations to pool resources for bulk purchasing and advocacy.
2. Diversify Inventory: Consider selling complementary products to attract more customers.
3. Adopt Digital Tools: Use mobile money and simple accounting apps to manage finances more efficiently.
4. Participate in Training: Attend fire safety and business management workshops offered by NGOs and government agencies.
5. Engage with Authorities: Maintain open communication with market leadership and local government to report issues and seek support.

For Policymakers and Donors

1. Invest in Infrastructure: Prioritize fire-resistant construction materials and proper electrical systems in market redevelopment.
2. Support Microfinance: Establish low-interest loan programs specifically for market traders.
3. Improve Access to Insurance: Work with insurers to develop affordable, tailored products for informal traders.
4. Enhance Security: Provide equipment and training for market security teams.
5. Promote Market Visibility: Launch campaigns to inform the public about the market’s reopening and safety improvements.

FAQ

Conclusion

A year after the devastating fire, the Kantamanto Market stands as a symbol of resilience and ongoing struggle. While significant progress has been made in improving safety and restoring basic operations, the road to full recovery remains long. Traders continue to face economic hardship, infrastructure deficits, and systemic challenges that require coordinated action from government, private sector, and civil society.

The market’s recovery is not just about rebuilding stalls—it’s about restoring livelihoods, preserving a cultural institution, and strengthening Ghana’s informal economy. With sustained support and strategic investment, Kantamanto can rise again as a safer, more vibrant hub of commerce and community.

As traders like Mrs. Philippa Adusei and Madam Sophia Amoah work to rebuild their businesses from the ashes, their stories remind us of the human cost of disaster—and the enduring power of hope and solidarity.