Traders at Accra’s iconic Kantamanto Market are counting the cost after a devastating fire reduced much of the market to rubble in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The fire, which broke out before dawn, quickly engulfed the sprawling market, known for its vibrant array of goods and bustling trade. Despite the best efforts of the fire service, the blaze, fueled by the market’s highly flammable materials, proved overwhelming, leaving extensive damage in its wake.
By the time firefighters brought the flames under control, large sections of the market had been destroyed. For many traders, the loss was catastrophic.
“I’ve lost everything,” said Ama Mensah, a clothing vendor who had worked at Kantamanto for over a decade. “All my stock, my savings—everything is gone. I don’t know how I’ll start over.”
Isabella Apoe, a cold store operator, also voiced her despair, describing the loss of millions of cedis worth of goods. As traders sifted through the charred remnants of their businesses, the air was filled with the smell of smoke and the sounds of distress.
Silas Oteng-Akenteng, a vendor, said he had resorted to collecting scraps in a bid to earn a living after his primary source of income was destroyed by the fire. “It’s heartbreaking, but I have to survive,” he told reporters.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, but traders are primarily focused on rebuilding their livelihoods. Many have turned to their communities for support, while others are calling on the government for assistance.
In a statement, Adutwum Atta Manu, the Market Manager, confirmed that firefighters had managed to contain the fire but noted that much of the market had been severely damaged.
Kantamanto Market, a hub of commerce in Accra, is a lifeline for thousands of traders, many of whom are now struggling to recover from the devastating loss. The disaster has left many questioning the market’s fire safety measures and the need for urgent assistance to help rebuild their businesses.
Source:TheDotNews