The Or Foundation’s announcement of a comprehensive Electrification Plan and utility support for Kantamanto Market has sparked spontaneous jubilation among traders.

The Accra-based charity organisation revealed a major initiative to install electricity, electric appliances, and water in every stall at Kantamanto Market. The initiative comes in the wake of a devastating fire that affected the market earlier this year.

The announcement was made by The Or Foundation’s co-founder, Branson Skinner, at a town hall meeting held with Kantamanto traders, upcyclers, and other stakeholders at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly on Tuesday, April 15. Skinner disclosed that the Foundation would fully fund a market-wide electrical installation as part of its ongoing fire relief efforts.

“We are committed to ensuring that the rebuilding of Kantamanto Market is not only about physical restoration but also about creating a safer, more sustainable environment for all of its traders. This electrification project is just one of the ways we are supporting the market’s recovery,” he declared.

In addition to the electrical installation, Skinner explained that The Or Foundation is collaborating with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Police Service, Kantamanto Market leadership, and SheGuards, a private security firm, to establish a professional security and first-response team to improve safety in the market.

Noting that the majority of market members are women, he added that the security personnel would be trained in gender-based violence prevention, first aid, and fire-fighting techniques. He also revealed that the Foundation is in the process of installing 1,000 fire extinguishers across the marketplace to enhance safety.

Co-founder Liz Ricketts shared insights into the organisation's growth and mission to support sustainable practices in Ghana’s secondhand clothing trade.
“Kantamanto Market today represents a model of circular economy and a place where upcycling and reusing are at the heart of what people do. Hence, we are proud to support such a vibrant community,” she said.

She noted that the Foundation’s original focus on education had evolved into improving market conditions due to declining secondhand clothing quality and rising operational costs.
"We want to make sure, first and foremost, that the electricity in the market is safe and legally installed," Ricketts emphasised, stressing that equal access to electricity was essential for vendors who require power for operations such as using fans and charging phones.

Samuel Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Operations for The Or Foundation, revealed that the organisation had distributed over GHS 22.5 million to more than 9,000 market members via mobile money, and invested GHS 3 million in purchasing lumber for the reconstruction of the market.

He emphasised that the Foundation is "working with the leadership of the market, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Fire Service, and other government institutions to ensure that Kantamanto becomes a place where people can trade safely and contribute to Ghana’s economy."

Owusu-Sekyere also addressed misconceptions about the Foundation’s role in the market.
"Kantamanto is government land, and no NGO can buy it. Our focus is on improving the working environment and collaborating with stakeholders," he clarified.

Samuel Mantey, Director of Works at the AMA, praised ongoing efforts to rebuild and enhance the market’s safety. He called for unity among market members and urged traders to be vigilant, support one another, and maintain safety and security.
He disclosed that all activities undertaken by The Or Foundation are backed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the AMA and affirmed the Assembly’s full support for the initiative.

He also revealed that the AMA will deploy security personnel to further improve safety in the market.

Market Manager Atta Manu acknowledged the scale of the project and noted that implementation would take time.
"We need to engage technicians to map out the entire system," he said, assuring that any substandard wiring would be replaced to prevent future fire hazards.

Other speakers from The Or Foundation included Ama Agyemang, a community health nurse; Sammy Oteng, Senior Manager for Community Engagement; and Frank Aboyinga, a member of the Tide Turner beach cleanup team. They highlighted the Foundation’s comprehensive work, including:

• Providing first aid to over 500 individuals
• Establishing a health post within the market
• Running apprenticeship programmes for Kayayei to help them transition from hazardous work
• Promoting upcycling businesses like fibreboard hanger production
• Collaborating with AMA and market leadership on fire relief and waste collection programmes since 2020

Ruth Odoom, a beneficiary of previous programmes, praised the Foundation for its support.
“I never knew how to keep records of my daily transactions, but through the various trainings, I can now do that, and my business has improved,” she shared. “The Foundation is here to support Kantamanto traders to operate sustainable businesses.”

Nana Konadu, a used clothing retailer, also shared her experience of losing capital due to damaged goods in a bale she purchased. She appealed to The Or Foundation to continue its advocacy to curb waste from used clothing imports.
“The person I bought the bale from refused to refund my money. The Foundation’s advocacy is necessary to address such issues and protect traders like me,” she said.