Fire guts Ghana’s largest clothes market, thousands affected
A massive fire has destroyed large parts of Ghana’s largest clothes market, Kantamanto, in Accra’s Central Business District.
The fire, which started early on January 2, claimed one life and left 14 others seriously injured. Over 30,000 traders have been affected, and more than 7,000 shops were completely destroyed.
Efforts to control the blaze were delayed due to water shortages and other challenges.
Samuel Amoah, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, described the situation as “heartbreaking” while speaking to local media outlets.
According to him, the fire may not have been an accident but a planned attack.
While investigations have been launched, outgoing and incoming governments have been urged to help rebuild the market.
Many traders have lost both their homes and livelihoods as a result of the fire and have since begun clearing the debris and rebuilding stalls.
The traders hope for swift support to recover their businesses and livelihoods.
