Traders at Kantamanto are counting their losses after a fire tore through the market in Accra at dawn on Thursday, January 2, 2024.
The inferno, which erupted in the early hours, swept across large sections of the market, reducing merchandise and property to ashes. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire was fueled by the flammable materials used to construct many of the stalls.
Scenes from the aftermath reveal traders sifting through charred debris, desperately trying to salvage what little remains of their goods. Many could be seen assessing the damage, with tears and cries of despair filling the air.
Over 100 shops have been devastated by the inferno so far.
Although eyewitnesses say firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived swiftly to battle the blaze, their efforts were hampered by inadequate water supplies and the absence of nearby fire hydrants. As a result, the flames spread rapidly, consuming vast portions of the market.
Among the hardest hit was Ama Mensah, a clothing vendor who had been a familiar face in the market for over a decade. Tears streamed down her face as she recounted her losses.
“I have lost everything. All my goods, my savings—everything is gone. I don’t know how I will recover from this,” she told Accra-based Citi FM.
Joshua Tetteh, another trader, shared his ordeal.
“I tried to save some of my goods, but it was futile. I didn’t get even one pesewa. I took a loan to run this business. My wife also sells ladies’ clothing, and she’s lost everything too. But we will rise from these ashes. Kantamanto is more than just a market—it’s our home, and we won’t let this fire destroy our spirit.”
Samuel Ahenkorah, who owned two of the affected shops, detailed his devastating losses.
“I deal in jeans for adults and children. Everything is gone. A single bale of goods costs GHC5,500. I’ve lost so much money. It’s unbearable.”
Fati Alhassan, a food vendor, echoed similar sentiments.
“I got a call from my sister about the fire. By the time we arrived, there was nothing left. We lost all the utensils and equipment we used for our cooking business.”
In an interview with Channel One News, Kantamanto Market Manager Adutwum Atta Manu confirmed that firefighters had managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further.
Silas Oteng-Akenteng, a materials vendor, was among those already trying to find ways to survive.
“My goods have been destroyed, so I’m gathering scraps to sell. I know things will be difficult because I’ll be unemployed for now. We’re hoping the government will support us to start over.”
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
