A devastating fire has engulfed the Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, obliterating a significant portion of the world’s largest secondhand clothing market.
The blaze, which erupted on a Thursday, reportedly destroyed nearly two-thirds of the bustling market, a critical hub for secondhand garments. Kantamanto Market, known for its vibrant trade, receives around 15 million pieces of clothing weekly from affluent nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.
Approximately 30,000 traders rely on the sprawling market, making the recent fire a significant blow to the local economy and livelihoods. Fortunately, the Ghana National Fire Service confirmed that the fire was fully extinguished without any reported injuries or fatalities. However, the cause of the devastating fire remains under investigation.
The impact has been profound, as countless traders lost their stalls, leaving them with uncertain futures. Clean-up efforts are actively underway, with metal scrap dealers sorting through the rubble. Advocacy groups are urgently calling on the global fashion industry to step up and provide financial aid for recovery efforts.
Daniel Mawuli Quist, Creative Director of The Or Foundation, emphasized the need for solidarity within the global fashion ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of not just acknowledging the value of secondhand markets but providing concrete assistance to rebuild and sustain them. “This is a critical moment for the global fashion ecosystem to show solidarity,” he stated.
The Or Foundation, a nonprofit based in Ghana, has taken significant steps by pledging $1 million to support relief efforts. They have also established a fund dedicated to raising additional resources for rebuilding the market and supporting the affected vendors.
The fire underscores the challenges faced by the global fashion industry, particularly in managing waste from fast fashion. Workers in Kantamanto Market are accustomed to reselling and remanufacturing garments; however, the influx of textile waste has overwhelmed Accra. The Or Foundation estimates that around 40% of these garments go unsold, contributing to waste accumulation in nearby gutters, landfills, and beaches.
The recent fire at Kantamanto Market serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the secondhand clothing industry. As the community comes together to rebuild, the global fashion industry must consider its role and responsibility in supporting sustainable practices and providing necessary aid to affected markets.
Source: Businessinsider
