With rising unemployment rates, many young Ghanaians are turning to the second-hand clothing business as a means of survival, a trader at Kantamanto Market has revealed.
Speaking on Happy FM, a trader known as Biggie shared that rather than waiting for job opportunities, many youth are taking matters into their own hands.
“If you have no job, why stay at home and starve?” he questioned, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in tough economic times.
Biggie further explained that the Kantamanto trading center has become a beacon of hope for unemployed youth, many of whom arrive with little but leave as established entrepreneurs.
“Some of the young men who come here are educated but have no means of survival. They start as apprentices for established traders, earning a minimum daily wage of 50 Ghana cedis,” he disclosed.
According to him, this informal apprenticeship system has paved the way for many young traders to build their own businesses over time.
“Some arrive with nothing, but after a few years, they establish their own shops, import their own batches of clothes, and build a sustainable livelihood,” he added.
Kantamanto Market, known for its vibrant second-hand clothing trade, has long been a hub for affordable fashion in Ghana.
However, for many unemployed youth, it represents more than just a marketplace – it is a stepping stone to financial independence.
With limited job opportunities in the formal sector, this growing trend highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Ghana’s youth, who continue to find innovative ways to navigate economic challenges.
