A devastating fire swept through Kantamanto Market in Accra in the early hours of Thursday, January 2, 2025, reducing over 100 shops to ashes and leaving traders in despair.

The blaze, which started around 1:19 a.m., destroyed goods worth millions of cedis. Devastated traders recounted their losses, with many calling on the government for urgent support.

One trader, who has been in the market for over 35 years, described the fire as the worst incident he had ever witnessed.

• Read also: Fire destroys Kantamanto Market, displaces hundreds of traders

“The electrical connections here are not the best, and people sleep here without protection. Millions of cedis have been lost. Some traders collapsed and were rushed to hospital. We plead with the government to assist us,” he said.

Another trader blamed the lack of access for firefighters, attributing it to the renting of pavements and roadsides to vendors.

“When the fire service arrived, they struggled to reach the burning area because of obstructions. This has to change,” he lamented.

Whereas some traders suspect arson, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and investigations are underway.

Speaking to JoyNews, GNFS Public Relations Officer, Alex King Nartey, stressed the need for better logistics to tackle such emergencies.

“We need more efficient equipment to deal with fires of this magnitude. This situation highlights the importance of investing in our fire services,” he stated.

President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng also shared his concerns, urging a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“This is worrying, especially at the start of a new year. We need a forensic audit into market structures, electricity connections, and overall management. Market authorities collect taxes and levies but must ensure proper monitoring and accountability,” he said during an interview on JoyNews.

Dr Obeng further called for modern facilities, education on the use of electrical appliances, and insurance for traders to prevent recurring losses.