A fire engulfed the Kantamanto Market in Accra early Thursday, destroying over 100 shops and goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedis. Thousands of traders, many of whom rely on the market for their livelihoods, now face an uncertain future.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed 13 fire tenders to control the flames, which left much of the market in ashes. Although no severe casualties were reported, GNFS spokesperson Alex King Nartey described the economic damage as immense.
“Preliminary investigations suggest faulty electrical connections as a possible cause, but arson has not been ruled out,” Nartey said.
The open-air market, home to over 2,000 shops, is a major hub for Ghana’s informal economy. Traders gathered at the site on Thursday, many in tears, to assess the damage. Young scrap metal dealers were seen salvaging remnants from the ruins.
Isaac Ofori, who lost two shops and his entire inventory, estimated his losses at more than 10 times his annual income. “My shops burned; I feel empty,” he said.
Koffi Poku, another trader, said rebuilding his business without help would be impossible. “I don’t know where to find the money to start again. The government must help us,” he said.
David Kwadwo Amoateng, president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana, urged authorities to provide emergency funding. “The market is a vital part of our economy. Without intervention, thousands of livelihoods are at risk,” he said.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is investigating the fire alongside other agencies, with an official describing the scale of destruction as “heart-wrenching.”
