The government of Ghana has donated one million cedis to assist victims of the Kantamanto Market fire, which caused massive destruction in Accra on January 2, 2025.
The devastating blaze, which gutted more than 7,000 shops, affected over 30,000 traders and left many businesses displaced.
The donation was presented in line with a pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama when he received a courtesy call from the Kantamanto Traders Association, a coalition of 13 different groups, shortly after taking office. In the wake of the fire, the government expressed its commitment to supporting the affected traders and ensuring the swift recovery of the market.
The Chief of Staff, along with senior government officials, personally delivered the funds to the traders on behalf of the President. This gesture comes several weeks after the tragedy, with the government demonstrating a keen interest in addressing the immediate needs of the traders while outlining long-term recovery plans.
The government also expressed its willingness to facilitate the rebuilding of the Kantamanto Market, with plans to transform the area into a modern, multi-purpose facility aimed at enhancing business opportunities for the used clothing traders and others operating in the market.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff emphasized the importance of dialogue with the traders to explore redesigning the market area, improving access, and introducing measures for better security to prevent future incidents.
Rev. Opoku Afreh, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, thanked the government for its timely support. He also revealed that ongoing discussions with ACCESS Bank were underway to secure a $100 million loan for the construction of a modern market facility. However, he appealed for the government’s intervention in resolving a dispute regarding the affected land, which continues to hinder progress.
