The government has provided GH₵1 million to support victims of the devastating fire that destroyed the Kantamanto Market in Accra on January 2, 2025.
The donation fulfills a pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama when the Kantamanto Traders Association paid him a courtesy visit. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, presented the funds on behalf of the President, extending the government’s condolences to the traders for their significant losses.
During the presentation, Mr. Debrah stressed the importance of redesigning the market to prevent future disasters. He also announced plans to rebuild the market into a modern, multi-purpose facility. “There is hope. The President was elected to solve problems, and he is ready to help devoid of politics,” Mr. Debrah said.
He was accompanied by two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Stanislav Dogbe and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, as well as the President’s Legal Advisor, Marietta Brew Oppong.
Reverend Opoku Afreh, Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, expressed appreciation for the government’s support. He revealed that the fire destroyed over half of the market, including millions of cedis in sales and $1.7 million worth of clothes.
He also mentioned that the association has secured a $100 million loan from Access Bank to build a modern market but requires government intervention to resolve a land dispute affecting the project.
The GH₵1 million donation will be distributed among various associations within the Kantamanto Traders Association, including:
- Used Clothes Traders Association
- Egg Sellers Association
- Hair Dressers Association
- Platform Association
- Railway No.2 Sellers Association
- Youth Clothe Sellers Association
- Shoe Sellers Association
The fire, which destroyed over 7,000 shops, left many traders and business owners without their livelihoods. The government’s intervention aims to provide relief and support the affected traders as they recover from the disaster.