A major fire broke out at Accra's Kantamanto Railway Market early on January 2, 2025, destroying the entire building. The destruction is widespread, with much of the market turned to ashes. Charred stalls, twisted metal sheets, and debris litter the neighborhood, leaving traders and locals stunned.

Thick smoke still hovers in the air, and firemen remain on the scene to ensure that no concealed flames flare up again. The marketplace, once a busy hub for thousands of dealers and shoppers, is now vacant. Many traders who rely on their enterprises in Kantamanto were spotted grieving and trying to cope with their losses.

According to reports, the fire spread quickly, destroying a substantial portion of the market before being brought under control after many hours of effort by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). Despite their efforts, the market's infrastructure and products worth thousands of cedis have been lost.

For many traders, this is a devastating blow. Their stuff, investments, and plans for a prosperous New Year have all gone up in smoke. Some dealers were seen digging through the debris, seeking to rescue whatever that remained.



The cause of the fire is still being investigated, with officials looking into it. Market leaders and dealers are cooperating with authorities to discover what caused the fire.



This incident highlights the critical need for enhanced fire safety precautions in markets across the country. Kantamanto is currently a place of sorrow, and the impacted traders face an uncertain future as they begin the painful process of reconstructing their lives.