Akufo-Addo speaks about Kantamanto Market devastating fire outbreak [Ghana]

People try to salvage items from the burned down secondhand clothing market at Kantamanto in Accra, Ghana, on January 2, 2025. The fire at the Kantamanto market began in the early morning hours, destroying a large part of the area and displacing thousands of traders. AFP - NIPAH DENNIS

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo says he has been left devastated by the massive fire outbreak that destroyed numerous shops and stores in Ghana’s biggest clothes market – Kantamanto.

Thousands of traders have lost almost all their goods and capital as almost nothing was salvaged from the horrifying fire outbreak.

Ghana’s National Fire Service had to deploy about 13 tenders to bring the fire under control.

During his final state of the nation address to Ghanaians, the outgoing President said he is deeply saddened by the development.

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire at Kantamanto market. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and I extend heartfelt sympathies to the hardworking traders who have lost their goods and investments,” he said.

Despite having a few days to end his administration, Akufo-Addo has pledged that government will investigate what some members of the Ghanaian society have described as deliberate destruction.

President-Elect, John Mahama of the NDC, will be sworn into office as the 7th President of the fourth Republic of Ghana.