President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed deep sorrow over the recent fire that devastated Accra’s Kantamanto Market in his final State of the Nation Address delivered to Parliament on January 3, 2025
The fire, which erupted in the early hours of January 2, destroyed over 100 shops, leaving many traders without their primary source of income.
President Akufo-Addo extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected traders, acknowledging the significant impact on their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, he assured that the government stands in solidarity with those affected and is committed to collaborating with relevant agencies to determine the cause of the fire and provide necessary support.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and I extend heartfelt sympathies to the hardworking traders who have lost their goods and investments. Government stands with you and will work with relevant agencies to ascertain the causes of the fire and to provide the needed support,” he said.
The President emphasized the nation’s unity in compassion and solidarity, urging collective efforts to assist those who have suffered losses during this challenging time.
The Kantamanto Market, known as Ghana’s largest hub for second-hand clothing, plays a vital role in Accra’s informal economy.
The recent fire has caused substantial financial losses, with goods worth millions of Ghana cedis destroyed.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to the blaze with 13 fire tenders but faced challenges due to the fire’s scale and obstructions within the market.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with some traders suspecting arson.