Accra: The Or Foundation, an Accra-based charity, has announced a major initiative to install electricity in every stall of Kantamanto Market, following the devastating fire that affected the market earlier this year. Mr. Branson Skinner, a Co-founder of The Or Foundation, made this known at a town meeting with traders, upcyclers, and other stakeholders at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
According to Ghana News Agency, the Foundation will fully fund the market-wide electrical installation as part of its ongoing fire relief efforts. Mr. Skinner emphasized the Foundation's commitment to not only physically restore the market but also to create a safer and more sustainable environment for the traders. He stated, "This electrification project is just one of the ways we are supporting the market's recovery."
In addition to the electrical installation, The Or Foundation is collaborating with key partners, including the AMA, the Ghana Police Service, Kantamanto Market leadership, and SheGuards, a private security firm, to establish a professional security and first-response team aimed at improving safety in the market. Mr. Skinner noted that since most market members are women, the security personnel would be trained in gender-based violence prevention, first aid, and fire-fighting techniques. The Foundation is also in the process of installing 1,000 fire extinguishers across the marketplace to enhance safety.
Ms. Liz Ricketts, another Co-founder of the Foundation, highlighted that Kantamanto Market represents a model of the circular economy, where upcycling and reusing are central activities. The Foundation is proud to support such a vibrant community. She stressed the importance of safe and legal electricity installation for vendors who rely on power for business operations like fans and phone charging.
Mr. Samuel Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Operations of The Or Foundation, disclosed that the organization had already distributed over 22.5 million Ghana cedis to more than 9,000 market members. Additionally, three million Ghana cedis have been invested in purchasing lumber for the market's reconstruction. The Foundation is working with the market leadership, AMA, the Electricity Company of Ghana, the Ghana Fire Service, and other government institutions to ensure that Kantamanto becomes a safe trading environment contributing to the country's economy.
Clarifying misconceptions, Mr. Owusu-Sekyere pointed out that The Or Foundation's partnership with the Kantamanto Market leadership is not about purchasing the land but improving market conditions. "Kantamanto is government land, and no NGO can buy it. Our focus is on improving the working environment and collaborating with stakeholders," he emphasized.
Mr. Samuel Mantey, a Director of Works at the AMA, praised the ongoing efforts of the Foundation to rebuild the market and enhance its safety. He called for unity among market members to address the challenges facing the community together.
