On January 2, a devastating fire swept through Kantamanto Market in Accra, destroying over 7,000 shops and leaving more than 30,000 traders severely affected. The inferno, which began in the early hours of Thursday, claimed one life, injured 14 others, and reduced a large section of the market to rubble. The tragedy has left many traders grappling with the loss of their livelihoods and the uncertainty of rebuilding their businesses.
During her sympathy visit to the market, Naana Arthur Donkor took time to interact with groups of affected traders. She offered words of encouragement, acknowledging the scale of their losses and expressing her solidarity with their plight. Moved by their stories, she initiated a public fundraiser to rally support from individuals and institutions. Standing amidst the ruins of the market and surrounded by a crowd of victims, she recorded a heartfelt video appeal, urging the public to contribute generously to the relief effort.
To kickstart the fundraiser, Naana Arthur Donkor made a personal donation of GH₵2,000. She emphasized the importance of collective action in helping the victims recover and rebuild their lives.
Reports from the Ghana National Fire Service indicate that efforts to extinguish the blaze were hampered by a shortage of water and inadequate logistics. This lack of resources allowed the fire to spread rapidly, causing further destruction. The traders, many of whom had invested their entire savings into their businesses, now face an uncertain future.
Naana Arthur Donkor’s initiative has been widely praised as a timely intervention to provide relief to the victims. Her appeal has added a powerful voice to the collective call for assistance, urging Ghanaians and the international community to come to the aid of the affected traders.
The fundraiser represents a beacon of hope for the Kantamanto Market community. Contributions from the public are expected to play a vital role in helping traders rebuild their lives and restore the bustling market to its former vibrancy.