Kantamanto Market rewired to reduce fire risks as KOBA marks first year

The Kantamanto Obroniwawu Businesses Association (KOBA) has marked its first anniversary with the commissioning of a market-wide electrical rewiring project aimed at improving safety and reducing fire risks at the Kantamanto Market.

The project, undertaken with support from The Or Foundation and in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), involved the rewiring of sections of the market and the facilitation of safe connections to the national electricity grid.

Addressing market members and partners at the anniversary ceremony, KOBA General Secretary Adwutum Atta Manu said the association had implemented several safety, health, sanitation, and organisational initiatives during its first year.

He said more than 1,000 fire extinguishers had been installed across the market, while over 3,500 traders and market users had received training in fire prevention, safety awareness, and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Atta Manu added that a dedicated Ghana National Fire Service post had been established within the market to improve emergency response, while a market-wide security team had also been formed to address criminal activities, particularly after trading hours.

He said the association had installed the market’s first public address system, conducted a comprehensive census of traders and market operators, and organised a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration exercise that supported thousands of traders to register, renew, or replace their cards.

On sanitation and flood prevention, he said KOBA, in partnership with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Tide Turners, the June 4 Taskforce, and other stakeholders, had undertaken the first major desilting and cleaning of the market’s drainage system since its installation in the 1980s.

He noted that the intervention had helped protect Kantamanto during recent flooding in parts of Accra, with market members reporting that the area remained unaffected despite heavy rainfall.

He said the support of institutions and development partners had been instrumental in improving safety, security, sanitation, health, and organisation within the market.

Atta Manu acknowledged that challenges remained despite the progress made and assured traders that KOBA would continue to protect their interests and work towards building a safer, better-organised, and more sustainable market.

He announced that the association would establish a hotline to provide market members with an accessible channel for reporting concerns, sharing feedback, and seeking support.

He also called on importers, government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders within the second-hand clothing value chain to engage in constructive dialogue to advance the shared interests of all parties.