A massive cleanup operation is underway following a fire that devastated Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, one of the world’s largest secondhand clothing hubs. The blaze, which erupted at around 10 PM on January 1, destroyed thousands of traders’ stalls and consumed much of the market. Goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi were lost, and preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) suggest faulty electrical connections may have sparked the fire, though arson has not been ruled out.
“This is devastating,” said Alex King Nartey, GNFS spokesperson. “While severe casualties were avoided, the economic loss is staggering.” The fire affected an estimated 8,000 people, though this figure is expected to rise, with two-thirds of the market reduced to ashes.
Alhassan Fatawu, a stall owner who crafted and sold designs using secondhand materials, described the devastation: “Everything has gone. My daily bread has been cut. Kantamanto was my livelihood.” The market was a hub for about 30,000 people who depended on it for their incomes.
Kantamanto Market played a vital role in the global fight against textile waste, with approximately 15 million secondhand garments arriving weekly from countries like the UK, US, and China. It recirculated 25 million items monthly through resale, repair, and upcycling, offering a creative and sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
The fire left many families in financial distress as retailers, upcyclers, and workers lost merchandise, tools, and equipment. Yayra Agbofah, founder of Revival, a textile-waste awareness group, emphasized the urgency of rebuilding: “People need to work. There are no alternatives. We have to rebuild from scratch.”
The Or Foundation, which advocates for sustainable textile practices, pledged $1 million toward the cleanup and called for global fashion industry support. Creative director Daniel Mawuli Quist highlighted the broader implications: “This is a moment for the fashion ecosystem to show solidarity and prioritize true sustainability over mere marketing.”
Rebuilding efforts are underway, but many traders remain in debt and uncertain about government support. The Kantamanto community is determined to recover, driven by the necessity of restoring their livelihoods.
