Stories and facts
Kantamanto Market, one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs, has long been a lifeline for traders and shoppers alike.
However, the congested nature of the market has made it vulnerable to devastating fires, resulting in significant losses to property and livelihoods.
Despite its economic importance, the market's lack of fire hydrants and inadequate safety infrastructure have repeatedly contributed to extensive damage.
In this feature, we highlight four instances when the Kantamanto Market was destroyed by fire.
April 2011: The First Notable Fire
On April 19, 2011, Kantamanto Market was engulfed in flames, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Goods worth thousands of cedis were destroyed, and traders were left scrambling to salvage what little they could.
This fire served as an early warning about the dangers posed by the overcrowded market and the absence of basic fire safety measures. Unfortunately, this tragedy was not a one-off event.
May 2013: Another Inferno Strikes
Barely two years later, another fire swept through the market in May 2013. The pattern of devastation repeated itself, with traders bearing the brunt of the losses.
The fire reignited calls for expansion and improved fire safety measures, but little progress was made.
December 2020: Deliberate Arson Adds to Woes
In December 2020, the Kantamanto Market faced a new kind of threat deliberate arson. According to findings by The OR Foundation, a real estate development firm set fire to a section of the market.
This deliberate act was part of a broader trend of fires affecting Accra's markets, highlighting the market's vulnerability to both accidental and intentional destruction.
Notably, this fire came just 10 months after a previous blaze, compounding the traders' frustrations and losses.
January 2025: A Fresh Tragedy
The most recent fire, in January 2025, destroyed a significant portion of the market and displaced hundreds of traders. This fire, once again, underscored the urgent need for action.
With no fire hydrants on-site, firefighters struggled to contain the blaze, as tenders quickly ran out of water. The devastation left traders reeling and renewed public outcry for better market safety measures.
A Broader Problem Across Ghana's Markets
Kantamanto’s plight mirrors that of other major markets in Ghana, such as the Kotokoraba Market, Market Circle, and the Kejetia Market.
These markets face similar issues, including congestion, poor fire safety infrastructure, and vulnerability to fires. Each incident leaves traders grappling with losses that run into thousands of cedis, disrupting their livelihoods and the economy.
Calls for Redevelopment and Safety Measures
In March 2021, Golden Coast Developers, in partnership with the Kantamanto Traders Association and the Ministry of Railway Development, announced a redevelopment project.
While this initiative promised to address some of the market's structural issues, progress has been slow, and concerns remain about the traders' fate during and after redevelopment.
As Kantamanto Market continues to rebuild after the January 2025 fire, traders and stakeholders are advocating for urgent action. They demand expansion works, improved fire safety measures, and assurances against arbitrary ejections.
Without these interventions, Kantamanto’s cycle of destruction and rebuilding seems destined to continue, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands and the market's role as a cornerstone of Accra's economy.
