A Midnight Tragedy: Kantamanto Market Reduced to Ashes

Hundreds of traders in Accra’s bustling Kantamanto Market are grappling with devastating losses after a massive fire swept through the area, obliterating nearly the entire market.

The fire, which erupted late last night, caught many traders and residents off guard. Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos that unfolded as the flames spread rapidly. One resident shared, “We were asleep when we heard someone shouting. When we woke up, we saw that there was a fire outbreak.”

Despite the swift response from the Ghana National Fire Service, which deployed 13 fire tenders across the Greater Accra Region, the battle to contain the blaze proved arduous. Fire Service spokesperson ADO1 Alex King Nartey described the situation as "very serious."

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Firefighters faced significant challenges, including the lack of a nearby fire hydrant and the depletion of their water supply. These obstacles allowed the fire to reignite after initial efforts to extinguish it.

“Extinguishing the fire could take up to two days due to its intensity,” ADO1 Alex King Nartey explained.

As smoke continues to rise over what remains of the market, displaced traders are left mourning the loss of their livelihoods. Many are appealing for immediate support to rebuild their businesses, while others are urging authorities to investigate the fire’s cause and implement robust market safety measures.

This tragedy not only highlights the vulnerability of Accra’s marketplaces but also underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future.

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