The group has appealed to government authorities and stakeholders to intervene
A group identifying as the Concerned Market Members of Kantamanto Secondhand Clothing Sellers has called for the immediate resignation of the leadership of the market’s 13 unions, accusing them of making unilateral decisions that threaten the traders’ livelihoods.
The demand, announced at a press briefing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, comes amid growing tensions following a devastating fire that ravaged Kantamanto Market, West Africa’s largest secondhand clothing hub, on January 2, 2025.
Nana Kofi Addo, leader of the concerned traders, criticized the union leaders for engaging with external organizations without consulting members. He specifically pointed to a partnership with a foundation—allegedly The OR Foundation—which the leadership claimed would aid in rebuilding the market after the fire.
However, Addo and his group assert that their investigations reveal the foundation’s intent is to take over the market yard rather than support its recovery.
“We don’t need The OR Foundation in our markets,” he declared.
Addo urged the leadership to cease dealings with entities pursuing agendas misaligned with the traders’ interests.
He alleged that a secret meeting took place between the union leaders and the foundation, leading to growing suspicion among the traders.
“This has raised more suspicion in our minds. Why hold such a meeting at dawn?” Addo questioned.
The aggrieved traders also alleged that the leadership may be planning to evacuate traders under the guise of advocating for them.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, the group further alleged that the union leaders had been influenced by financial incentives from The OR Foundation, compromising their loyalty to the market’s 30,000-plus traders.
The statement also targeted one Adutwum Atta Manu, described as the market manager, whose authority and allegiance the group has called into question.
“Mr. Manu does not sell secondhand clothing and has no expertise or experience in the trade,” the group asserted.
The traders linked their concerns to a recent move by the union leadership to break away from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), a decision they argue jeopardizes the market’s unity and economic stability.
Kantamanto Market, a vital economic lifeline in Accra, has been struggling to recover since the January fire destroyed over 60% of its retail sections, displacing thousands of traders and wiping out goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedis.
The market, which processes an estimated 15 million secondhand garments weekly from the Global North, has long been a cornerstone of Ghana’s informal economy, supporting resale, repair, and upcycling businesses.
The concerned traders emphasized their commitment to preserving this trade, which they say sustains countless families and contributes significantly to the national economy.
The group has appealed to government authorities and stakeholders to intervene, warning that the current leadership’s actions could irreparably harm the market.
GA
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