The heart of Accra’s bustling Central Business District was left in devastation early Wednesday morning when a catastrophic fire tore through the Kantamanto Market, reducing it to a heap of smoldering ruins. The inferno, which raged throughout the night, has displaced over 30,000 traders and left countless others in shock, unable to comprehend the full extent of the destruction.
Kantamanto Market, renowned as Ghana’s largest hub for fairly used clothes, has long been a lifeline for both local traders and the countless customers who rely on its vibrant stalls for affordable clothing. For many, the loss of the market is not just a financial blow, but a personal tragedy that threatens to unravel their livelihoods and dreams.
“I’ve been selling here for 12 years. This market has been my life,” said Adjoa Amu, a 39-year-old mother of three who has dedicated her time to selling secondhand clothes. “Now, everything is gone. My savings, my stock, and my children’s future. It’s like the ground beneath me has vanished.”
The blaze, which began in the early hours of Wednesday morning, quickly consumed the sprawling market, destroying goods worth millions of cedis, as reported by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). Despite the swift response from emergency services, including the deployment of 13 fire trucks, the flames raged for hours, making it impossible to salvage much of the market’s infrastructure.
By Thursday morning, what had once been a bustling marketplace was left in ruins. Piles of ash and charred remains marked the place where traders had, just hours earlier, sold their wares. The cost, both economic and emotional, is immeasurable for the thousands whose lives revolved around the market.
Alex King Nartey, the spokesperson for the GNFS, expressed his sorrow at the scale of the disaster. “This is devastating,” Nartey said. “While we’ve been fortunate that no major casualties have been reported, the economic damage is catastrophic. We are still investigating the cause of the fire.”
Preliminary reports suggest that faulty electrical connections may have triggered the fire, although investigations continue. Arson has not been ruled out, and the GNFS, along with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), is conducting a thorough inquiry into the incident.
In a desperate plea for support, Fred Asiedu, a 45-year-old trader whose entire stock was destroyed in the fire, spoke out. “Everything I had was here. My clothes, my savings, everything. It’s all gone in an instant,” he said. “This market was my future. I don’t know how to start over. The government must intervene, or life will become unbearable for me and my family.”
The loss of the market is particularly devastating as it is more than just a commercial space. Kantamanto Market is a place where the livelihoods of thousands intertwine, with many traders dependent on the resale of secondhand clothes to sustain their families. The destruction of this vibrant marketplace has left these traders in a state of uncertainty, with little to no immediate means of rebuilding.
“This is not just a market; it’s a community. People depend on it for their daily bread. This fire has wiped out a place where families have built their lives,” said David Kwadwo Amoateng, the president of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG). “The government must act quickly to provide emergency funds. Thousands of lives are at risk, and we cannot afford to wait.”
The scale of the devastation has left officials scrambling to provide relief to affected traders. Richard Amo Yartey, an official with NADMO, emphasized that the government is prioritizing the restoration of affected communities. “We are committed to providing immediate relief to the traders affected by this disaster,” Yartey said. “While the damage is overwhelming, we will work tirelessly to support the recovery of this market.”
Kantamanto Market, which is located in the heart of Accra, has long been a critical economic driver for both the city and the country as a whole. Known for its massive influx of secondhand clothes from across the globe, the market serves as an essential hub for affordable clothing, particularly for lower-income families. Many traders source their goods from overseas, selling items at a fraction of the cost of new clothes. The market’s loss, therefore, has not only left traders in disarray but also jeopardized the supply of affordable clothing for many Ghanaians.
The fire has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of the market, particularly with respect to safety standards. While some traders suspect that electrical faults may have contributed to the blaze, others are calling for a comprehensive review of safety measures within markets across Ghana.
“Every year, there are reports of fires in this market. Yet, nothing seems to change. We need to take safety seriously,” said Kwaku Owusu, another trader who has been selling secondhand clothing in Kantamanto for nearly 15 years. “It’s not enough to just fight the fires when they happen. We need prevention, we need better infrastructure, and we need the government to step up.”
As the fire-fighting efforts continue into Thursday afternoon, the extent of the damage remains unclear, but the emotional toll is already visible. Many traders have gathered at the site of the blaze, bewildered and unsure of their next steps. Some wander through the charred remains, while others sit in groups, comforting one another as they process the magnitude of the loss.
In the aftermath of the disaster, calls for swift government intervention have intensified. With thousands of families now displaced and without their primary source of income, the next few days will be critical in determining how quickly these traders can recover and rebuild their businesses.
For now, the Kantamanto Market, once a vibrant center of commerce in the heart of Accra, remains a pile of rubble. As survivors of the fire wait for answers, one thing is clear: the road to recovery will be long, and it will take the collective effort of the government, the traders, and the Ghanaian people to rebuild what has been lost.
“We need help, and we need it now,” Fred Asiedu concluded, his voice trembling. “We’ve lost everything, but with support, we can rise again.”
My Cousins Celebrated My Defeat Because I Didn’t Send Them Money – UFC Fighter
The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is known for its brutal physicality, but for Zimbabwean fighter Themba Lawrence Gorimbo, the mental and emotional toll of his recent UFC loss has been even more excruciating. In a shocking revelation, Gorimbo, who was defeated by Brazilian Vicente Luque in just 52 seconds at UFC 310 in Las Vegas, shared a painful experience: several of his cousins celebrated his defeat because he had not sent them money.
The loss, which marked the fastest submission defeat in UFC history, was a huge blow to Gorimbo’s career aspirations. However, it was the reaction from his family that left him shattered.
“I can’t even describe the pain I felt when I saw what my cousins were doing,” Gorimbo said in a deeply emotional interview posted by African Facts. “After I lost, they were celebrating, dancing in a video sent to me, and all I could think was: ‘Is this what family is?’”
The fighter, who was nicknamed “The Answer” due to his resilience and determination, explained that his relatives’ celebration stemmed from their frustration over his failure to send money. “Some of them were so angry that I hadn’t given them any financial support recently, they chose to revel in my defeat,” he said, clearly distraught. “It’s heartbreaking because, all I’ve ever tried to do is help my community, my family, and give back in any way I could.”
Gorimbo’s loss came just when he was hoping to close the year with an undefeated record. His victory streak had already seen him triumph over notable opponents, including Takashi Sato, Pete Rodriguez, Ramiz Brahimaj, and Niko Price. Each victory had fueled his dream of becoming a successful UFC fighter, not only for himself but to uplift his community back in Zimbabwe. His defeat, however, marked the abrupt end to that dream—for now.
“People think because I’m in the UFC, I must be rich, a millionaire even,” Gorimbo said. “But I’m not. I’m still working, still trying to achieve my goals, and still trying to build something that can help everyone, not just my cousins.”
The UFC fight against Vicente Luque was supposed to be Gorimbo’s moment to shine, but in less than a minute, Luque sealed the deal with a rapid anaconda choke submission, marking a bitter moment in Gorimbo’s career. As one of the fastest submission victories in UFC history, the defeat left him with more than just physical bruises—it challenged his relationship with those he once called family.
The mixed martial artist, however, remains determined. After the fight, Gorimbo took to social media to express his disappointment but also his unyielding will to overcome. “Yes, I am gutted now, but I know I will be okay,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “This is part of the journey. It sucks, but hey, I live to fight another day.”
While many would crumble under such pressure, Gorimbo is determined to rise again. “This is not the end. It’s part of the story,” he said during the interview. “I will dust myself off, and I will keep pushing. I know the road to success isn’t easy, but I will keep fighting for a better tomorrow—for myself, for my family, for my people.”
His struggle to balance family expectations with his professional ambitions highlights the emotional complexities faced by many African athletes working abroad. Expectations of financial support are often high, especially when someone reaches a level of international recognition. However, Gorimbo insists that his success should be measured not by how much money he sends, but by the broader impact he hopes to have on his community.
“They wanted me to send them money right away, but I’m not that person,” he said. “I want to build something that lasts, not just give handouts. I want to give back to the community, not just satisfy temporary needs. So when they celebrate my loss, it feels like betrayal because I’m fighting for more than just me.”
Gorimbo’s story is not just about a fighter’s journey in the octagon but also a reflection of the challenges that many athletes face when they come from humble backgrounds and rise to international fame. The emotional scars of such betrayals can run deep, and Gorimbo is still coming to terms with the distance between his goals and the reality of his relationships.
“I’ve always wanted to do more, build more,” Gorimbo reflected, explaining his plans to help others. “I want to build a well for the community back home. I want to invest in something that will make a real difference for people, not just for a few. But when you face these kinds of setbacks, it can be difficult to keep your faith in others.”
Though he continues to face the fallout from his UFC loss, Gorimbo’s spirit remains unbroken. He is resolute in his belief that his journey is far from over. “This isn’t the end. I’ll be back,” he said firmly. “And when I do come back, it will be stronger than ever. Not for anyone else, but for me and for my dreams.”
The emotional turmoil caused by family betrayal, combined with the brutal nature of professional fighting, has made Gorimbo’s comeback more personal than ever. His resolve to continue fighting, despite the challenges, is a testament to his resilience.
Gorimbo’s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that athletes make behind the scenes, the weight of expectations from loved ones, and the harsh realities of fame. It also serves as an inspiring example of how, despite adversity and betrayal, true strength comes from within.
