Traders jubilating after the re-opening of the market
The Kantamanto Obroniwawu Businesses Association (KOBA) has celebrated the reopening of its market following the devastating fire that destroyed large portions of the trading hub earlier this year.
KOBA is the first unified body representing and coordinating across all 13 sections of the market, which is home to secondhand clothing and footwear retailers, upcycles, tailors, hairdressers, and other businesses.
The reopening marked the culmination of more than a year of dedicated effort by market leaders to create a cohesive association to safeguard against future disasters and champion the interests of members.
The formation of KOBA signifies a shift from market leaders serving as stewards of space to becoming leaders of a resilient community, the Association said in a statement.
According to the statement, the celebration also highlighted the completion of the first phase of rebuilding and safety initiatives.
These include re-electrification of the market, installation of fire extinguishers, and the deployment of a new security force – measures achieved through a joint effort by KOBA, The OR Foundation, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, with funding from The OR Foundation.
The OR Foundation, an Accra-based NGO committed to advancing a justice-led circular textiles economy, has been instrumental in Kantamanto’s recovery and the establishment of KOBA. During the reopening, the foundation signed a grant agreement with KOBA, providing GH¢825,000 ($75,000) in startup funding to build the Association’s capacity.
This support comes in addition to over $3 million already distributed by the foundation this year to Kantamanto members, including direct relief payments to more than 9,000 individuals affected by the January fire, healthcare assistance, a market-wide security and response assessment, and funding for rebuilding and electrification efforts.
The reopening ceremony was attended by government representatives and special guests, including the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration at the Presidency and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kwakpo Allotey.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke