In the early hours of January 2, 2025, a devastating fire swept through the Kantamanto Market in Accra, leaving traders in despair as they counted their losses.
The market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of goods, was reduced to ashes in a matter of hours.
The scene was one of heartbreak and chaos. Traders, many of whom had invested their life savings into their businesses, sifted through the charred remains of their stalls, hoping to salvage anything of value.
The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the sound of sobs as the reality of the disaster set in.
Among the affected was Ama Mensah, a clothing vendor who had been a fixture at the market for over a decade.
“I have lost everything,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “All my goods, my savings, everything is gone. I don’t know how I will recover from this.”
Isabella Apoe, a cold store operator, was spotted gathering what remains of her burnt shop. She also narrated that she had lost millions to the fire.
The fire, which started in the early hours of Thursday morning, quickly spread through the market, fueled by the flammable materials that many traders used to construct their stalls. Despite the efforts of the fire service, the blaze proved too intense to control, and by the time it was extinguished, much of the market had been destroyed.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, but for the traders, the focus is on rebuilding their lives and businesses.
Many have called for government assistance to help them get back on their feet, while others have turned to their communities for support.
Source : Citi News
