Accra: The Or Foundation, a non-profit organisation headquartered in Accra, has donated GHS 1 million to aid the reconstruction efforts of Kantamanto Market after a devastating fire severely damaged Accra's largest second-hand clothing hub.
According to Ghana News Agency, this contribution marks the largest single donation to date and highlights The Or Foundation's dedication to helping the market members restore Kantamanto's dynamic ecosystem. Mr. Sammy Oteng, Senior Community Engagement Manager of the Or Foundation, announced the donation at a press conference in Accra. He stated that the funds will specifically cover the cost of lumber procured on credit from the nearby Accra Timber Market. This gesture is part of a larger emergency relief fund of GHS 15 million that The Or Foundation has pledged for Kantamanto Market's recovery.
Mr. Oteng called for additional support from the global fashion industry to contribute to the fund. He also mentioned that the Foundation is working closely with market leadership to incorporate basic fire safety measures into the rebuilding process. Since the fire, The Or Foundation's team of over 100 young Ghanaians has set up relief tents within the market, providing essential support such as shade, first aid, water, and face masks for those clearing debris and assisting in the rebuilding process.
The organisation has also funded the use of heavy equipment, including trucks and a payloader, in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, to clear debris from the market to the Adepa Dump Site north of Accra. Additionally, the organisation has offered immediate financial assistance to those injured or affected by the fire, covering hospital bills amounting to thousands of Ghana Cedis.
Mr. Oteng noted that the Foundation is compiling records of impacted individuals to facilitate the distribution of direct relief funds. Since 2020, the Second-hand Solidarity Fund (SSF) established by the Foundation has distributed over USD 500,000 in direct grants to more than 1,500 Kantamanto Market members and has facilitated the installation of over 500 fire extinguishers across the market.
Madam Gloria Assiamah, an upcycling section leader, expressed her gratitude to The Or Foundation for their continued support. She remarked on the Foundation's longstanding relationship with the market and her confidence in their ability to help them rebuild and recover.
Madam Assiamah also urged the global fashion industry to participate in the recovery efforts of Kantamanto Market. Mr. Adutwum Ata Manu, Kantamanto Market Manager, praised the Foundation for their unwavering support over the past few years, describing their intervention as extraordinary and lifesaving during a time when hope was scarce.
