A fire at Ghana’s largest market for imported clothes and fashion accessories is disrupting the industry nationwide.

Despite being an almost annual occurrence, this year’s fire completely consumed the entire Kantamanto Market. As the primary source of supply for traders in a country largely dependent on used clothing, the disaster is expected to have a lasting impact on livelihoods.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) interviewed second-hand clothes dealers at the Ho Central Market, many of whom have been forced to close their shops due to the shortage of goods. The traders described the situation as devastating for their businesses.

The extent of this year’s fire also affected traders dealing in bags and other fashion accessories.

Charles Acquah, a used clothes trader with 17 years of experience, appealed to the government and traditional authorities to prioritize the livelihoods of the thousands who depend on the Kantamanto Market and ensure its swift restoration.

“This will affect us gravely if the market is not restored quickly because that is where we all earn our livelihoods to feed our families. If we can’t get goods from there, it will be a major problem,” he said.

“We’ve heard that the traditional ruler has said the market should not be rebuilt. We are pleading with the government to intervene and reconstruct it. The number of people who depend on the market is uncountable.

“If our livelihoods are taken away, many of us might resort to crime. The government must consider our plight,” Acquah added.

Kofi Appiah, a middle-aged trader who has been selling clothes at Kantamanto for over a decade, expressed his despair.

“We have been affected in so many ways. Kantamanto is where we source our goods. Now, where are we supposed to go?

“This is not the first time, but this year’s fire was massive—it destroyed the entire market. We don’t know what to do now. We are pleading with the government to address the situation urgently because this is critical. We are in dire straits,” he lamented.

He also urged both the government and traditional leaders to prioritize the livelihoods of those dependent on the market.

Madam Victory, a single mother who sells used brassieres and other accessories, shared her struggles following the fire. She said the disaster would make it extremely difficult to support her three school-going children.

“We have been gravely affected, and we are pleading with the government to intervene. They should engage Nii Ayibonte to allow for the market’s reconstruction, as has been done after previous fires,” she said.