Stories and facts
Kantamanto Market, located in the bustling central business district of Accra, Ghana, is a dynamic hub of trade, primarily operated by traders from the Akan tribes of Kwahu and Ashanti.
Known for its specialization in clothing resale, the market has been a cornerstone of Accra's informal economy for years.
At its height, Kantamanto earned recognition as the largest used clothing market in West Africa, drawing traders and shoppers from across the region.
A Hub for the Circular Economy
Kantamanto Market has gained international attention in recent years, primarily due to its role in the global fast fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion activists and journalists have spotlighted the market as a major destination for imported, often unusable, second-hand clothing.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that up to 40% of the garments brought into the market were deemed unsellable and ended up in landfills, exacerbating environmental concerns.
The market's informal economy supports over 30,000 traders who sell a diverse range of goods, from used clothing and car spare parts to food items.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted significant harm on this trade, as restrictions stifled economic activity and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of traders.
Fires and their Impact
Kantamanto Market has a history of devastating fires, attributed to its congested layout and lack of essential safety measures, such as fire hydrants. These fires have caused extensive damage, with losses running into thousands of Ghanaian cedis.
Major fire outbreaks include incidents in April 2011 and May 2013, which destroyed large portions of the market. A December 2020 fire, which some reports suggest was deliberately set by real estate developers, decimated the market again.
This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between traders and developers over the site’s future. Another fire occurred just ten months prior to the December 2020 blaze, adding to the traders' woes.
In January 2025, yet another fire ravaged a significant portion of the market, displacing hundreds of traders and reigniting calls for better safety measures, expansion projects, and protection against eviction.
Redevelopment Plans
In March 2021, Golden Coast Developers, in partnership with the Kantamanto Traders Association and Ghana’s Ministry of Railway Development, announced plans to transform the market into a modern shopping center.
While some traders attempted to return to the site after the December 2020 fire, redevelopment efforts have raised concerns about displacement and the preservation of the market’s cultural and economic significance.
Cultural Significance and Art Projects
Kantamanto Market has inspired various art and activism initiatives that spotlight its role in Ghana’s economy and the global textile trade.
Artist Sel Kofiga has documented the market’s cloth trade through upcycling and mixed-media projects, while Samuel Oteng runs a similar upcycling enterprise.
The OR Foundation, in collaboration with artist and activist Liz Ricketts, launched the “Dead White Man’s Clothes” project.
This initiative critically examines the waste generated by the textile import trade and advocates for sustainable solutions.
A Market at a Crossroads
Kantamanto Market remains a vital part of Accra’s economy, culture, and identity. However, it faces significant challenges, from frequent fires and inadequate infrastructure to tensions over redevelopment.
As the market navigates these issues, its resilience and adaptability will determine its future role in Ghana’s ever-evolving economic landscape.
