The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has supported Kantamanto traders with an amount of GH¢40,000 towards the rebuilding of the Kantamanto market which was ravaged by fire on January 1, 2025. This GUTA donation is a significant step in helping the traders recover their losses.
Mr Clement Boateng, Vice President of GUTA, during the donation said the initiative is to help traders quickly resume their businesses and appealed to stakeholders, including financial institutions, government and philanthropists to support the reconstruction efforts.
Presenting the money to the traders, Mr Boateng urged financial institutions to reschedule loan repayment arrangements for affected traders to provide some relief.
He called for a collaborative effort to introduce an insurance package for market traders to reduce their losses during such disasters in the future.
Mr Joseph Paddy, Director of Communication at GUTA, said well structured market conditions will help reduce such fire outbreaks while providing security for businesses.
He said over 70% of markets in Ghana were informal and appealed to the government to partner with the private sector to build modern market facilities.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the traders, Mr Michael Oppong, Chairman of the Kantamanto Used Clothes Association, expressed gratitude to GUTA and its importers for their support.
“On behalf of all traders at Kantamanto, we thank GUTA for their generosity and appeal to others to come to our aid. This market has sustained families and contributed significantly to the economy.”
“We urge market vendors to avoid misinformation and respect their leaders to ensure harmony as we rebuild,” he added.
The Kantamanto market, known for its vibrant trade in used clothing, footwear and other goods, was engulfed in a devastating fire on 1st December 2025, destroying shops and goods worth millions of Ghana cedis.
The incident has reignited calls for improved infrastructure and safety measures in Ghanaian markets which are the source of many livelihoods.
