OR Foundation announces electrification plan for Kantamanto market

The OR Foundation, a charity based in Accra, has launched a new initiative. They plan to install electricity in every stall at Kantamanto Market. This follows a devastating fire that affected the market earlier this year.

At a town hall meeting on April 15, Branson Skinner, co-founder of The OR Foundation, announced the project. He stated that the foundation would fully fund the electrical installation as part of their fire relief efforts. Skinner emphasized their commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable environment for traders.

In addition to electricity, The OR Foundation is partnering with several organizations. These include the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ghana Police Service, and SheGaurds security firm. Together, they aim to establish a professional security team for improved safety at the market.

Skinner noted that most market members are women. Therefore, security personnel will receive training in gender-based violence prevention and first aid. The foundation is also installing 1,000 fire extinguishers across the marketplace to enhance safety.

Liz Ricketts, co-founder of The OR Foundation, discussed their mission. She highlighted that Kantamanto Market represents a model of circular economy and upcycling. Ricketts explained how their focus shifted from education to improving market conditions due to rising operational costs.

She stressed the importance of safe and legal electricity installations for vendors' operations. Samuel Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Operations for The OR Foundation, shared financial updates. He mentioned distributing over 22.5 million Ghana Cedis to more than 9,000 market members through mobile transfers.

Owusu-Sekyere also revealed an investment of 3 million Ghana Cedis in lumber for reconstruction efforts. He clarified that The OR Foundation is not purchasing land but improving market conditions instead.

Samuel Mantey from AMA praised ongoing rebuilding efforts at the market. He called for unity among traders to address community challenges effectively. Mantey confirmed that all activities by The OR Foundation are supported by an MoU with AMA.

He urged traders to monitor activities within the market and ensure safety measures are upheld. Mantey also announced plans to station security personnel in the area for added protection.

Market Manager Atta Manu acknowledged challenges in implementing such large-scale projects. He assured attendees that technicians would map out the entire electrical system before work begins.

Other speakers from The OR Foundation highlighted various initiatives since 2020. These include providing first aid services and setting up health posts within the market. They also run apprenticeship programs for Kayayei workers and promote upcycling businesses like fiberboard hanger production.