By Enoch 
The bustling Kantamanto Market in Accra’s Central Business District was engulfed in flames early on January 2, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The fire, which started around 1 a.m., quickly spread, consuming over 100 shops and displacing hundreds of traders.
Extent of Damage and Immediate Response
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed multiple fire tenders and equipment from across the Greater Accra Region to combat the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire’s intensity overwhelmed the firefighters, and large sections of the market were reduced to ashes. Eyewitnesses and desperate traders joined the battle to save their goods, but the flames proved too powerful.
Traders’ Heartbreak and Financial Losses
The aftermath of the fire has left traders in a state of anguish and despair. Many have lost their entire stock, with some reporting losses amounting to thousands of cedis. One elderly woman, who deals in clothing, lamented that she had lost goods worth GH¢400,000, which she had imported for the festive season. She expressed her worries about how she would care for her family after this devastating incident.
Another trader, who sells electronic gadgets, shared that he had just taken delivery of a new shipment of goods worth GH¢700,000, all of which were destroyed. His sentiments were echoed by many others who are now grappling with the reality of starting over from scratch.
Calls for Government Intervention at Kantamanto
In the wake of the disaster, affected traders have called on the government for assistance. They have urged the incoming administration to provide support to help them recover from their losses. Some traders have also alleged that the fire may have been caused intentionally to remove them from their current location, although these claims are yet to be substantiated.
Nana Ama McBrown: From School Dropout to Ghanaian Icon
Local government officials have promised to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and have assured the traders of their support. The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, visited the scene and expressed her condolences to the affected traders, pledging that the government would do everything possible to help them rebuild.
Community Support and Solidarity
Social media has been abuzz with messages of support and solidarity for the affected traders. Many Ghanaians have expressed their sympathy and offered words of comfort to those who have suffered losses. The community has come together to help in any way possible, with some individuals providing financial aid and others offering temporary shelter to those displaced by the fire.
Church groups and non-governmental organizations have also mobilized resources to assist the traders. The Christian Council of Ghana has announced plans to set up a relief fund to support those affected by the fire, and various philanthropic organizations have pledged to contribute to the recovery efforts.
Investigation and Security Measures
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The GNFS has confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, and efforts are ongoing to prevent further destruction. The Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Alex King Nartey, assured the public that the situation is being managed and that they are doing everything possible to control the flames.
As a precautionary measure, the GNFS has urged market authorities to improve fire safety protocols. They have recommended the installation of fire hydrants and regular fire drills to ensure that traders are better prepared in the future. The GNFS also emphasized the importance of maintaining clear access routes for emergency services, which were hindered during the response to this fire.
The Kantamanto Market fire has been a devastating blow to the traders and the community at large. As the investigation continues and efforts to rebuild commence, the resilience and unity of the traders and the support from the community will be crucial in overcoming this tragedy. The hope is that with collective efforts, the market will rise from the ashes and continue to thrive as a vital hub of commerce in Accra.
#Kantamanto on Fire #Kantamanto Burns #Shops In Kantamanto #Kantamanto Market Burnt