The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Accra, has donated GHS 1 million to support the reconstruction of Kantamanto Market following the devastating fire that destroyed Accra’s largest second-hand clothing hub. This contribution represents the largest single donation to date and underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to helping market members rebuild and restore Kantamanto’s vibrant ecosystem.
Speaking during a press conference to announce the donation, Senior Community Engagement Manager of The Or Foundation, Sammy Oteng, explained that the funds were specifically to 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. Mr. Oteng noted that the foundation had coordinated closely with market leadership to incorporate basic fire safety measures into the rebuilding process.
He also highlighted the foundation’s pre-fire efforts, which included working extensively with retailers, upcyclers, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on waste collection initiatives and textile recycling solutions to create economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, such as young women known as “Kayayei” who serve 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 face masks for individuals clearing debris and rebuilding,” Mr. Oteng said. He added that the foundation 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.
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.
Mr. Oteng further noted 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. Additionally, the foundation had facilitated the installation of over 500 fire extinguishers across the market before the fire.
Gloria Assiamah, an upcycling section leader, expressed her gratitude for The Or Foundation’s 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. I have faith that The Or Foundation will see us through rebuilding and support us in getting back on our feet,” she said.
The global fashion industry was urged to join in supporting Kantamanto Market’s recovery. Market manager, Mr. Adutwum Ata Manu, expressed gratitude to The Or Foundation for its consistent support over the past two to three years, 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,” he said. He revealed that the foundation had covered the cost of wood needed to reconstruct new structures and emphasized the enormity of the rebuilding effort.
Mr. Manu 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.
He also disclosed that market leaders were in discussions with the Electricity Company of Ghana to replace all wiring in the market to prevent future hazards and enhance safety measures. The foundation had donated fire extinguishers to help mitigate future incidents, and an upcoming meeting with the Ghana National Fire Service would focus on 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,” Mr. Manu concluded.
