PHOTOS: Business Booms for Scrap Dealers Amid Kantamanto Market Devastation

On January 2, 2025, a massive fire broke out at Kantamanto Market in Accra, a key hub for secondhand clothing in Ghana. The blaze ravaged more than 100 shops, displacing thousands of traders and causing widespread despair.

Amid the chaos, scrap dealers have capitalized on the situation by scavenging metal remains from the destroyed structures. They were seen retrieving charred fragments of metal, often working without protective gear, to sell for profit.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) deployed 13 fire trucks to battle the flames and eventually brought the fire under control. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the outbreak.

In response to the disaster, The Or Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating for social and environmental justice, has pledged $1 million to support recovery efforts. They also aim to raise additional funds through public contributions, emphasizing the significance of Kantamanto Market in promoting sustainable fashion.

While traders struggle to rebuild their livelihoods, the activities of scrap dealers highlight the complexity of post-disaster recovery. Although their actions inject some economic activity into the situation, concerns remain over safety and the challenges faced by those directly impacted by the tragedy.

For a scrap dealers’ visual overview of the aftermath, you can watch the following photos: