Following a terrible fire on January 3, Accra’s Kantamanto Market, a major marketplace for used apparel, is starting up again. In a similar vein, trading is starting up again at the Bono East Region’s Techiman Market.
The fire in Kantamanto caused enormous damage, destroying products and houses, leaving many traders counting their losses. To rebuild, some turned to loans and their own money.
In an attempt to reopen their companies, shopkeepers have erected temporary booths despite the continuing reconstruction.
Support from the public and private sectors has been essential to the rehabilitation process. On behalf of President John Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah gave GH¢1 million to the impacted traders.
Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia donated 250 roofing sheet packets and GH¢200,000. Additional funding was provided by GCB Bank (GH¢3 million in loans and insurance support) and Absa Bank (GH¢150,000).
Traders who lost their stores in the January 13 fire have also started up again at the Techiman Market.
To rebuild, several people borrowed money or utilized their own resources. GH¢100,000 was contributed for roofing sheets by social media pundit Kevin Ekow Baidoo Taylor, but traders say further assistance is required.
Due to traders clearing the area before investigations could be carried out, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was unable to identify the cause of the Techiman fire.
The fire, which affected about 700 shops, took GNFS teams from Bono and Bono East several hours to contain due to market congestion and limited fire tenders.
Despite the challenges, traders at both markets remain determined to rebuild and sustain their businesses.
