Kantamanto Market distances itself from GUCDA strike, affirm ties with OR Foundation

The leadership of Kantamanto Market has rejected claims from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA). They called these claims misleading and not representative of the market's true voices.

In a statement, the market leadership reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and sustainability. They also highlighted their ongoing partnership with The OR Foundation. According to them, GUCDA only represents a small group of importers. This does not include small-scale retailers, head porters (kayayei), tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who drive daily operations.

“The GUCDA does not represent us,” the leadership emphasized. They urged media and development stakeholders to clarify this distinction.

The leadership expressed strong support for The OR Foundation. They noted years of collaboration with Kantamanto retailers. The foundation has earned community trust through consistent support, including fire recovery aid and training programs.

They stated that GUCDA's estimate about clothing waste is accurate. “Around 40% of clothing that enters the market becomes waste,” they said. Traders often cannot control what is in imported bales. These bales frequently contain torn or outdated items that are hard to sell.

“Waste is our reality,” they added, dismissing GUCDA’s claims as an attack on livelihoods. The leadership pointed out that the waste problem is systemic due to overproduction in the Global North.

“Kantamanto and Ghana are not dumping grounds by choice,” they explained. They believe this imbalance stems from the global fashion system.

In response to GUCDA’s claim about representing Kantamanto traders, the leadership disagreed strongly. They noted that key figures in GUCDA's campaign are importers, not everyday traders.

“We reject efforts to erase voices of those who sustain this market,” they stated. Attempts to incite protests undermine progress made through collaboration.

Despite recent challenges like a devastating fire earlier this year, Kantamanto Market remains open and active. The leadership credited The OR Foundation for providing essential support like construction materials and financial aid to over 9,000 people.

“Our resilience is strong, and our market is vibrant,” they concluded. “We welcome all partners who want to trade and invest in a sustainable future.”