In Ghana, the main second-hand market in the country ravaged by flames

Not much remains of the huge Kantamanto market in Accra. A huge fire, which broke out on Wednesday 1^is January late in the evening, ravaged large parts of this gigantic second-hand clothes market, the largest in Ghana, which houses more than 30,000 stalls.

The disaster aroused great emotion among traders and local residents, as this essential place, located in the heart of the business district of the Ghanaian capital, is a crucial source of income for many. At least hundreds of sellers, some of whom specialized in the resale of second-hand clothing imported, particularly from Europe, now face an uncertain future.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) had to deploy thirteen firefighting vehicles to combat the disaster. On Thursday, smoking ruins as far as the eye could see had replaced the once bustling alleys of the market, testifying to the impressive devastation of the flames.

“A disaster”

“It’s a disaster”commented Alex King Nartey, spokesperson for the GNFS. “We have not recorded any seriously injured people, but the loss to the economy is enormous”. “According to the first elements of the investigation, an electrical fault could have caused the outbreak of the disaster, but we do not exclude the possibility of arson”he stressed to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

According to the spokesperson, operations to completely extinguish the fire could continue until Friday. According to emergency services, the loss of goods is estimated at millions in the local currency.

For traders like Fred Asiedu, 45, this fire is dramatic. “Everything I owned was here, my goods, my savings, my future… Now everything is lost”if you complain-t-il. “How do I start my activity again? The government must intervene. Without help, our life will become unbearable,” he explains. The Ghanaian authorities have not yet announced a formal response to this tragedy.

Same feeling of deep concern among Adjoa Amu, 39 years old and mother of three children. “I have been a saleswoman here for twelve years. This market feeds my family and allows me to pay school fees. And there, there is nothing left except ashes…”she said.

A need for assistance for traders

An official from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Richard Amo Yartey, said the investigation into the origins of the fire had begun. “The scale of the destruction is heartbreaking, but we are determined to identify the causes and provide rapid assistance to affected traders”he added.

For his part, the President of the Traders Association of Ghana (TAGG), David Kwadwo Amoateng, urged the government to act quickly, saying that “this market is a vital part of [notre] economy “.

“Traders need an emergency aid fund to deal with this situation. Without immediate intervention, the source of income of thousands of people is threatened”he stressed to AFP.