The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Accra, has donated GH¢1 million to support the reconstruction of the Kantamanto Market, following the devastating fire that razed Accra’s largest secondhand clothing hub.
The contribution represents the largest single donation to date and underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the market members rebuild and restore Kantamanto’s vibrant ecosystem.
Mr Sammy Oteng, the Senior Community Engagement Manager of The Or Foundation, who announced the donation at a press conference said the funds were to specifically cover the cost of lumber procured on credit from the neighbouring Accra Timber Market.
He said, “The donation is part of a broader emergency relief fund of GHS 15 million that The Or Foundation had pledged to support Kantamanto Market’s recovery,” and called for additional support from the global fashion industry.
Mr Oteng stated that the Foundation had coordinated closely with the market leadership to incorporate basic fire safety measures into the rebuilding process.
He stressed that, before the fire, the organisation worked extensively with retailers, upcycling traders, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on waste collection initiatives and textile recycling solutions to create new economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, including young women, known as “Kayayei” who serves as porters in the market.
“Since the fire, The Or Foundation’s team of over 100 young Ghanaians has established relief tents within the market, offering essential support such as shade, first aid, water, and supply of face masks for individuals clearing debris and rebuilding,” he stated.
Mr Oteng said the organisation had also funded the deployment of heavy equipment, including trucks and a payloader, in partnership with the AMA to remove debris from the market to the Adepa Dumping Site, North of Accra.
“In addition to logistical support, the Foundation has provided immediate financial assistance to those injured or affected by the fire, covering thousands of Ghana Cedis in hospital bills,” he stated.
The Engagement Manager said the Foundation was currently compiling records of impacted individuals to facilitate the distribution of direct relief funds.
He pointed out that The Or Foundation’s response builds on its established Secondhand Solidarity Fund (SSF), which had distributed over USD 500,000 in direct grants to more than 1,500 Kantamanto Market members since 2020, as well as facilitated the installation of over 500 fire extinguishers across the market.
Madam Gloria Assiamah, an upcycling section leader, expressed gratitude to The Or Foundation for its continued support.
“The Or Foundation are not strangers to this market. They’ve been by our side in many ways, so when the fire happened and I saw the team on the ground doing whatever they could to support us, I wasn’t surprised but found some comfort.
She urged the global fashion industry to join in supporting the Kantamanto Market’s recovery.
Mr Adutwum Ata Manu, a Market Manager thanked the Foundation for its continuous support, describing their intervention as extraordinary.
“This time, we were without hope, and they came to our rescue because of the strong ties of friendship we share,” Mr Manu stated.
He called on the government, stakeholders, private individuals, corporate organisations, and wealthy benefactors to contribute to the market’s recovery.
The Market Manager said the market leaders were in discussions with the Electricity Company of Ghana to replace all wiring in the market to prevent future hazards, as well as the security personnel to enhance safety measures.
He mentioned that The Or Foundation had donated fire extinguishers to help mitigate future incidents and announced an upcoming meeting with the Ghana National Fire Service to discuss strategies for ensuring market safety.
By Albert Allotey
GNA
