A major fire swept through parts of the Kantamanto Market in Accra on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, destroying several shops and goods worth thousands of cedis before being brought under control by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The fire, which reportedly started around 1:00am, gutted shops along Tazani Lane, a busy section near the Ecobank branch within the popular second-hand clothing market. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours, finally bringing it under control around 4:49am.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began when most traders had closed for the night, making early detection difficult. “We suddenly saw flames coming from one of the shops and raised an alarm, but it spread so fast,” one trader recounted.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived promptly with multiple fire tenders to contain the inferno. Assistant Divisional Officer Grade One, Alex King Nartey, confirmed that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but investigations have commenced.
Many traders have been left in distress, counting their losses as they sift through the debris of their burnt goods. The Kantamanto Market, one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs, has recorded several fire outbreaks in recent years, raising concerns about safety measures, poor wiring, and congestion within the trading enclave.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged traders to adhere to safety protocols, including proper electrical installations and fire prevention practices, to avert future incidents.
The latest incident once again underscores the urgent need for improved fire management systems and infrastructure within Accra’s markets, especially Kantamanto, which remains prone to such disasters.
