The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Accra, has donated GHS 1 million to support the reconstruction of Kantamanto Market following the devastating fire that razed Accra's largest secondhand clothing hub.

The contribution represents the largest single donation to date and underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring market members can rebuild and restore Kantamanto’s vibrant ecosystem.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the donation, Senior Community Engagement Manager of the Or Foundation, Sammy Oteng, said the funds were specifically to cover the cost of lumber procured on credit from the neighbouring Accra Timber Market, adding that the donation was part of a broader emergency relief fund of GHS 15 million that The Or Foundation had pledged to support Kantamanto Market’s recovery.

He noted that The Or Foundation had made an initial commitment of GHS 15 million to the fund and called for additional support from the global fashion industry.

He stated that The Or Foundation had coordinated closely with market leadership to incorporate basic fire safety measures into the rebuilding process, stressing that before the fire, the organisation worked extensively with retailers, upcyclers, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on waste collection initiatives and textile recycling solutions to create new economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, including young women known as “Kayayei” who serve as porters in the market.

“Since the fire, The Or Foundation’s team of over 100 young Ghanaians has established relief tents within the market, offering essential support such as shade, first aid, water, and face masks for individuals clearing debris and rebuilding. The organisation has also funded the deployment of heavy equipment, including trucks and a payloader, in partnership with the AMA to remove debris from the market to the Adepa dump site north of Accra,” he said.

“In addition to logistical support, The Or Foundation has provided immediate financial assistance to those injured or affected by the fire, covering thousands of Ghana cedis in hospital bills. The foundation is currently compiling records of impacted individuals to facilitate the distribution of direct relief funds,” he added.

He pointed out that The Or Foundation’s response builds on its established Secondhand Solidarity Fund (SSF), which had distributed over USD 500,000 in direct grants to more than 1,500 Kantamanto Market members since 2020 as well as facilitated the installation of over 500 fire extinguishers across the market.

Gloria Assiamah, an upcycling section leader, thanked The Or Foundation for its continued support.



“The Or Foundation are not strangers to this market. They’ve been by our side in many ways, so when the fire happened and I saw the team on the ground doing whatever they could to support us, I wasn’t surprised but found some comfort. Because I have faith that The Or Foundation will see us through rebuilding and support us in getting back on our feet,” she said.

She used the opportunity to urge the global fashion industry to join in supporting Kantamanto Market’s recovery.

Mr. Adutwum Ata Manu, market manager at the market, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its continuous support, describing their intervention as extraordinary, and acknowledged the foundation’s consistent assistance over the past two to three years, emphasising that this particular aid stands out due to the dire circumstances facing the market.

“This time, we were without hope, and they came to our rescue because of the strong ties of friendship we share,” Mr. Manu said and disclosed that the foundation had covered the cost of wood needed to reconstruct new structures.

He underscored the enormity of the rebuilding effort, calling on the government, stakeholders, private individuals, corporate organisations, and wealthy benefactors to contribute to the market's recovery. “There’s an adage that says little drops make a mighty ocean. What needs to be done requires a collective effort,” he remarked.

The market manager also revealed that the market leaders were in discussions with the Electricity Company of Ghana to replace all wiring in the market to prevent future hazards, as well as with security personnel to enhance safety measures.

He noted that the foundation had donated fire extinguishers to help mitigate future incidents and announced an upcoming meeting with the Ghana National Fire Service to discuss strategies for ensuring market safety.

“This is a collaborative journey, and we hope all hands will be on deck to restore Kantamanto Market and secure its future,” he said.