Six weeks after the Kantamanto fire, vendors struggle to rebuild as Ghana’s vital secondhand clothing market fights for recovery.
It’s been six weeks after the devastating Kantamanto fire tore through, one of the world’s largest secondhand clothing markets in Accra, Ghana, thousands remain without income and many stalls are still unfinished. The fire, which occurred on January 1st, claimed two lives and destroyed two-thirds of the market, wiping out the livelihoods of around 30,000 people overnight.
Kantamanto, known for selling *obroni wawu* or “dead white person’s clothes,” imports millions of garments primarily from the UK, China, and the US. But, as fast fashion has grown, the market faces increasing textile waste, about 26.5 tonnes weekly, some of which ends up polluting Accra’s beaches.
Vendors like Richard Kwaku Kwakye lost everything, with Kwakye’s stall containing over 100,000 Ghanaian cedis (£5,135) worth of goods reduced to rubble. With no income since the fire and rising rebuilding costs, many, including Kwakye, are struggling to support their families. “Whoever is watching us, we really need support,” he pleads.
The impact extends beyond stallholders. Kayayei (female porters), food vendors, and cleaners have also been hit hard. Aisha Mohammed, 18, who moved from northern Ghana seeking work, now earns just 10 cedis a day—down from 50.
Relief efforts are underway. The Or Foundation, which campaigns against textile waste, plans to distribute $1.5 million in aid by early March. Meanwhile, market leaders emphasize that Kantamanto remains open, with long-term plans to rebuild using concrete to reduce fire risks.
Despite slow trade and financial uncertainty, vendors are gradually returning. However, with unsanctioned dumps like Old Fadama piling up with clothing waste, the recovery of Kantamanto remains a challenge for the entire Accra community.
Source: TheGuardian