A fire at Accra’s Kantamanto Market, Ghana’s largest hub for second-hand clothing, has destroyed over 100 shops and left traders grappling with significant losses. The blaze, which erupted at 1 a.m. on January 2, 2025, caused millions of Ghana Cedis in damages, severely impacting livelihoods.

Despite deploying 13 fire tenders, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) faced challenges due to the fire’s scale. GNFS spokesperson Alex King Nartey called for improved firefighting logistics and reiterated the need for stricter market safety measures.

While authorities investigate the fire’s cause, some traders suspect arson. Victims are appealing for government and stakeholder support to rebuild their businesses, as Kantamanto remains a vital part of Accra’s informal economy.