A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto Market in the heart of Accra’s Central Business District, displacing hundreds of traders and causing widespread destruction of properties, some worth millions of cedis. The inferno, which broke out suddenly on the night of January 1, 2025, quickly spread across the market, nearly reducing it to ashes. The fast-moving flames caught many of the traders off guard, forcing them to scramble through the fire in a desperate attempt to save their goods.

Eyewitnesses recount the chaos that unfolded that night. Many residents and traders were asleep when the fire erupted. “We were asleep when we heard someone shouting. When we woke up, we saw that there was a fire outbreak,” one resident recalled, still shaken by the traumatic event. As the fire grew, the market, known for its bustling commercial activities, was engulfed in smoke and flames. Traders and other marketgoers who were able to react in time tried to salvage whatever they could, but the rapid spread of the blaze made it almost impossible to prevent the damage.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was quick to respond, deploying 13 fire tenders from various stations across the Greater Accra Region to combat the blaze. However, despite their best efforts, it took several hours for the firefighters to bring the fire under control. ADO1 Alex King Nartey, the spokesperson for the Fire Service, explained that one of the key challenges in fighting the fire was the lack of accessible fire hydrants in the area. As the fire spread, the water supply quickly ran out, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. Even when the fire was initially brought under control, the lack of a reliable water source caused the flames to reignite multiple times, prolonging the battle.

Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, but the extent of the property damage is severe. The fire has left a trail of destruction, with countless shops, goods, and equipment lost, amounting to significant financial losses for the traders. ADO1 Nartey mentioned that extinguishing the fire could take up to two days due to the intensity of the flames and the difficult conditions on the ground.

In a show of solidarity, some local residents, along with traders, worked alongside fire officers to contain the fire. However, despite their best efforts, the destruction was extensive. Many traders are now left without their businesses, and they are calling for immediate support to help rebuild their livelihoods. In addition, there are widespread calls for an investigation into the cause of the fire and for authorities to improve safety measures in the market to prevent such incidents in the future.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, there is a growing sense of urgency for both short-term relief and long-term safety reforms to protect the traders and the market from future tragedies.