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Some individuals, believed to be scrap dealers, took advantage of the devastating fire outbreak at Kantamanto in Accra on Thursday morning, salvaging metal items from the debris to make a profit.
The blaze, which erupted at dawn, caused extensive damage, with traders scrambling to save whatever they could as the flames rapidly spread. Over 100 shops were completely destroyed, leaving traders devastated and grappling with significant losses.
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Amid the chaos, several people were observed collecting metal items from the affected shops. These individuals, reportedly scavenging hot metals without any protective gear, risked potential injuries. Joy News’ Collins Frimpong reported that these activities appeared to be motivated by the prospect of selling the salvaged items for profit.
Some traders have speculated that the fire may have been an act of arson. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Shop owners affected by the fire are appealing to the government for immediate assistance to rebuild their businesses. While some traders are focused on recovery efforts, others are urging authorities to prioritise investigations and implement enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Kantamanto fire highlights the vulnerability of market spaces and the need for proactive measures to protect traders and their livelihoods.
As investigations continue, affected traders are left to pick up the pieces, hoping for swift support and meaningful reforms.
