Major Fire Outbreak at Kantamanto Market, Accra

Kantamanto Market, Central Business District, Accra, Greater Accra Region

01 January 2025

Summary

In the early hours of 1st January 2025, a massive fire engulfed Kantamanto Market, one of West Africa’s largest secondhand clothing hubs. Thousands of stalls were destroyed, with an estimated 8,000 traders affected. The fire spread rapidly due to the density of wooden structures and combustible materials.

Current Situation

Fire has been extinguished by the Ghana National Fire Service.
No fatalities reported so far, but several traders sustained minor injuries.
Extensive property damage with losses running into millions of cedis.
Market area remains cordoned off for safety inspections and investigations.

Response actions

Ghana National Fire Service contained the blaze after several hours of operation.
NADMO has deployed teams for needs assessment and relief coordination.
Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has initiated a massive cleanup exercise.
Security agencies are assisting in maintaining order and preventing looting.
Government and humanitarian agencies are mobilizing support packages for affected traders.

Public Safety Instructions

The public is advised to avoid the Kantamanto Market area to allow emergency services and cleanup operations to continue.
Traders and affected persons should report losses to designated NADMO (National Disaster Management Organisation) officers stationed at the site for registration and support.
Caution is urged in other congested market areas to prevent fire outbreaks, especially during the dry season.

Other Alerts