The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Accra, has donated GH₵1 million to support the reconstruction of the popular Kantamanto Market in Accra following the devastating fire that destroyed goods worth millions of cedis and left traders in despair.

This contribution represents the largest single donation to date and highlights the foundation’s ongoing commitment to helping market members rebuild and restore the vibrant ecosystem of Kantamanto.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the donation, Senior Community Engagement Manager of the Or Foundation, Sammy Oteng, explained that the funds would specifically cover the cost of lumber procured on credit from the neighbouring Accra Timber Market.

He added that the donation was part of a broader emergency relief fund of GHS 15 million that the Or Foundation had pledged to support Kantamanto Market’s recovery.

He stated that the Or Foundation had worked closely with market leadership to incorporate basic fire safety measures into the rebuilding process. Before the fire, the organisation had also been working extensively with retailers, upcyclers, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on waste collection initiatives and textile recycling solutions, aiming to create new economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, including young women head porters known as “Kayayei” in the market.

“Since the fire, the Or Foundation’s team of over 100 young Ghanaians has established relief tents within the market, providing essential support such as shade, first aid, water, and face masks for individuals clearing debris and rebuilding. The organisation has 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 dump site north of Accra,” he said.

“In addition to logistical support, the Or Foundation has provided immediate financial assistance to those injured or affected by the fire, covering thousands of Ghana cedis in hospital bills. The foundation is currently compiling records of impacted individuals to facilitate the distribution of direct relief funds,” he added.

Gloria Assiamah, an upcycling section leader, thanked the Or Foundation for its continued support.

“The Or Foundation is no stranger 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. I have faith that the Or Foundation will see us through the rebuilding process and help us get back on our feet,” she said.

Mr Adutwum Ata Manu, the market manager, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its continuous support, describing their intervention as extraordinary. He acknowledged the foundation’s consistent assistance over the past two to three years, emphasising that this particular aid stands out due to the dire circumstances facing the market.

“This time, we were without hope, and they came to our rescue because of the strong ties of friendship we share,” Mr Manu said. He disclosed that the foundation had covered the cost of wood needed to reconstruct new structures.

He underscored the enormity of the rebuilding effort and called on the government, stakeholders, private individuals, corporate organisations, and wealthy benefactors to contribute to the market's recovery.

“There’s an adage that says little drops make a mighty ocean. What needs to be done requires a collective effort,” he remarked.

The Market Manager also revealed that 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 with security personnel to enhance safety measures.

He noted that the 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.

“This is a collaborative journey, and we hope all hands will be on deck to restore Kantamanto Market and secure its future,” he said.