Fire Guts Ghana’s Largest Used Clothes Market, Leaving Thousands Of Traders In Ruins

Accra, Ghana- A fire has engulfed Kantamanto Market, Ghana’s largest used clothes market, located in the heart of Accra.

The fire, which spread rapidly through the market’s densely packed stalls, destroyed the vibrant marketplace, home to over 30,000 traders.

Kantamanto, a economic hub in Accra’s Central Business District, has long been a lifeline for thousands of families who depend on the trade of second-hand clothes.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed 13 fire trucks to tackle a devastating blaze that has left behind only smouldering ruins where once bustling stalls stood, according to AFP reports. The fire destroyed goods worth millions of cedi, the GNFS confirmed.

“This is truly devastating,” said Alex King Nartey, a spokesperson for the GNFS. “Thankfully, we haven’t had any major casualties, but the economic impact is massive.”

Nartey further mentioned that preliminary investigations suggest faulty electrical connections may have caused the fire, though arson remains a possibility. Efforts to fully extinguish the flames may continue into Friday.

The inferno has left hundreds of traders, many of whom dealt in second-hand clothes, facing an uncertain future. For 45-year-old Fred Asiedu, the fire represents a life-altering catastrophe.

“Everything I had was here—my goods, my savings, my future. Now, it’s all gone,” Asiedu said. “How can I start over? The government needs to step in. Life will be unbearable without help.”

Adjoa Amu, a 39-year-old mother of three who has worked at the market for 12 years, described the fire as a crushing blow.

“I rely on this market to feed my children and pay for their education. Now, all that’s left are ashes,” Amu said, also calling on the government for support to rebuild her livelihood.

Richard Amo Yartey, a representative from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), assured that investigations into the cause of the fire were underway in collaboration with other agencies.

“The scale of the destruction is heartbreaking, but we are dedicated to identifying the cause and providing immediate assistance to the traders,” Yartey said.

David Kwadwo Amoateng, president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), urged the government to take swift action, stressing the importance of the market to the local economy.

“The traders here need urgent financial support to recover. Without immediate intervention, the livelihoods of thousands are at risk,” he told AFP.

Kantamanto Market, located in Accra’s Central Business District, supports more than 30,000 traders and has been a critical source of income for many.