The leadership of Kantamanto Market has declared their independence from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the importers structure within the market.

The leaders have also announced that operators of the market have departed from other industry groups, asserting that they alone represent the interests of businesses operating within the market.

In a statement issued on Monday March 25, 2025, the 13-section leaders of Kantamanto clarified that the market’s leadership structure, emphasising that they collectively speak for retailers, upcyclers, shoe sellers, and other traders.

“We are independent of GUCDA, the Importers Association, and any other body within the used clothing industry,” the statement read, dismissing any claims that external associations have authority over Kantamanto’s affairs. 

The market leaders disclosed that the recent fire tragedy that occurred at Kantamanto accelerated their efforts to strengthen internal leadership and ensure that all engagements with media, corporate organizations, and government agencies are directed solely through them. 

Market Manager Adutwum Atta Manu, who signed the statement on behalf of the leadership, expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Ghana, corporate entities, and individuals for their overwhelming support after the disaster.

Read Full Statement Below

Kantamanto, Accra, 21st March 2025 –

The Kantamanto market leaders wish to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana, corporate entities, individuals, and the broader Ghanaian community for the overwhelming support received after the fire outbreak at the Kantamanto market on January 2, 2025.

Your generosity and solidarity have played a critical role in saving lives and helping our members rebuild their livelihoods. In light of recent inquiries, we want to emphasize that we, the 13 section leaders, represent the interest and speak for the businesses in the Kantamanto market, including the retailers, upcyclers, shoe sellers, and other trades. 

We are not part of the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the Importers Association, or any other association in the used clothing industry.

The recent fire accelerated our unionizing process, which is well underway. We, therefore, call on media representatives, corporate organizations, and interested individuals who wish to engage with the market to reach out directly to us through the following leaders of the Kantamanto market leadership :