A trader selling at Kantamanto market
Michael Oppong, Chairman of the Kantamanto Used Clothes Association, has stated that the reconstruction of the fire-damaged Kantamanto Central Market was in its final stages.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Oppong explained that most of the stalls and sheds at the market had already been reconstructed, with only the installation of windows and gates remaining.
He noted that over GH¢200,000 was required to complete the installation of windows for the stalls and 23 entrance gates to the market.
Oppong indicated that they were hopeful the reconstruction would be fully completed in the coming months.
He said that they remained open to financial support from benevolent organisations and philanthropists.
Expressing gratitude, Oppong acknowledged the Government and other institutions for their assistance following the fire disaster.
“The various support have helped bring life back to this market, and we are hoping we will continue to receive them to fully complete the reconstruction,” he said.
Oppong also mentioned that once the entrance gates are installed, private security personnel would be employed to ensure traders vacate the premises at night to prevent future fire incidents.
He said they would ensure that all traders left the premises at night to return to their homes to keep the place safe.
A visit by GNA to the market showed a revitalized area, with people moving through the premises, although no business activity was yet taking place.
Some traders expressed optimism that more people would return to the Market once the reconstruction was fully completed.
The Kantamanto market, an important hub for the trade of used clothing, shoes, and other goods, was destroyed by fire on the night of January 1, 2025.
The fire resulted in significant losses for traders, many of whom lost several bales of secondhand clothes and other goods, valued in millions of Ghana cedis.
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