Youth traders at Accra’s Kantamanto Market are calling on government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide support as they attempt to rebuild their businesses following a fire that destroyed many shops at one of West Africa’s largest secondhand clothing hubs.
The affected youth, aged 17 to 29, depend on selling clothes and accessories at the market as their primary means of livelihood. Many have lamented their inability to restart their businesses due to lack of capital after the fire that severely impacted their operations.
Fiifi Bernard, a jeans vendor, told The High Street Journal (THSJ) that he was left with nothing after the blaze. “I live with my parents and support them, but now I have no goods to sell and cannot provide for my mom,” he said.
Enoch Kofi Baah, a t-shirt seller at the market, echoed concerns about the lack of financial support. “Most of us are orphans with no capital to restart. If the government or banks could provide loans, it would be a great help,” he explained.
When THSJ visited the market in the afternoon, the mood was tense, with traders expressing frustration and sorrow. While some resumed selling their goods, others were constructing makeshift wooden stalls to continue operating.
Mrs. Yaa Baafi, another vendor, explained that she had to buy materials herself to build a structure to protect her clothes from the sun, which could damage them. “This is my only source of income, and I have no support,” she said.
The fire, which occurred on January 2, 2025, destroyed numerous shops at Kantamanto, leaving many traders without goods to sell. The tragedy has highlighted not only the market’s vulnerabilities but also the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has also brought attention to the significant challenges faced by the youth at the market, who are now seeking urgent intervention to rebuild their lives and businesses. Many traders have expressed hope that external support will help them recover and ensure the long-term viability of the market.
Despite the setbacks, the resilience of the youth traders at Kantamanto remains strong, and many are determined to get back on track with the help of government and NGO support.
