ACCRA, GHANA — The Or Foundation has now confirmed that at least two lives were lost in the devastating fire that broke out at Kantamanto Market. In a statement shared with Apparel Insider, the NGO said 8,890 stalls have been destroyed and over 10,000 people impacted by the disaster.
The Foundation’s medical team has attended to over 500 individuals suffering from injuries, including severe head traumas. Several patients have been transported to hospitals, with healthcare costs covered by the Foundation. In the aftermath of the fire, emergency tents have been set up in the market, providing first aid, refreshments, shade, and masks to those in need.
Health concerns remain high, with many retailers reporting issues related to blood pressure and respiratory health.
The affected businesses include second-hand clothing retailers, tailors, upcyclers, food vendors, security guards, storage stall operators, market leaders, and kayayei (female head porters).
Extensive relief efforts are now underway. The Or Foundation says it has distributed over 3,000 face masks and is providing daily refreshments to more than 2,500 people. The organisation says it has also administered tetanus shots to eight individuals who sustained lacerations.
Notably, The Foundation’s has initiated water, air, ash, and human tissue sampling to evaluate the long-term environmental and health impacts of the disaster, with results to be shared publicly after consultation with the Kantamanto community.
In a bid to support the community’s recovery, the Foundation has now allocated 1 million GHS (US$68,000) to the rebuilding efforts. With Kantamanto Market comprising 13 sections and 23 section executives, collaboration with market leaders has been a priority. The Foundation’s team, including an architect, construction engineer, and urban planner, is working closely with the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Ghana National Fire Service to incorporate fire safety measures into the reconstruction plans. A detailed geographical map and architectural guide are expected to be completed next week.
The Or Foundation has made a public appeal for donations through their platform, Kantamanto.TheOr.Org, and is accepting physical donations, such as water sachets, in Accra. The organisation is also urging the global fashion industry to stand in solidarity with Kantamanto and contribute to the rebuilding process.
“The Or Foundation are not strangers to this market. They’ve been by our side in many ways in the past, so when the fire happened and I saw the team on the ground doing whatever they can to support us, I wasn’t surprised, but found some comfort. Because I have faith that The Or Foundation will see us through rebuilding and support us getting back on our feet,” said Gloria Assiamah, a leader in the upcycling section of the market.
Daniel Mawuli Quist, Creative Director at The Or Foundation, said: “Kantamanto has long been a hub for secondhand clothing, where garments are given a second life, contributing to sustainability in the fashion industry. The fire is a critical moment for the global fashion ecosystem to show solidarity and provide tangible support to rebuild this circular economy.”
Nutifafa Mensah, peer education lead at The Or Foundation, called justice noting: “For too long, the fashion industry has used places like Kantamanto as a destination for their excess, but not enough attention has been paid to Kantamanto’s work to process the output of the linear economy. This is truly a circular model lost to ashes.”
Or Foundation co-founder and executive director Liz Ricketts reinforced the urgency of the situation, adding: “While crisis relief is not what justice looks like, what happens now will show us how ready the industry is to acknowledge Kantamanto’s essential role within the global second-hand supply chain and within fashion’s circular ambitions.”
For those seeking to contribute, donations can be made via Donorbox at Kantamanto.TheOr.Org. Proposals for larger contributions or donation matching can be sent to giving@theor.org.