A devastating fire that engulfed Kantamanto Market in Accra’s Central Business District has claimed one life and left 14 others seriously injured.
The blaze, which started at dawn on Thursday, January 2, ravaged large sections of the market, affecting over 30,000 traders and destroying more than 7,000 shops.
Efforts to combat the fire were hampered by water shortages and logistical challenges, which prolonged the damage.
Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, January 3, the Chairman of the Kantamanto Traders Association, Samuel Amoah described the impact of the inferno as heartbreaking.
He explained that many traders had lost both their homes and livelihoods, and their only hope was to be allowed to return and work peacefully.
Mr Amoah added that traders were currently working to clear the debris and begin rebuilding the stalls and sheds.
He stated that while the damage had already been done, he appealed to both the outgoing and incoming governments to help rebuild the market.
He also noted that traders were organizing themselves to restore the stalls, hoping the government would assist in the efforts.
Mr Amoah pleaded with the government to remove some individuals from the market, as many were sleeping there
He also stated that, based on the information he had received, the inferno could have been a planned attack.