OR Foundation’s support sparks spontaneous jubilation among Kantamanto traders

The Or Foundation has announced a new Electrification Plan for Kantamanto Market. This news has made traders very happy.

The Accra-based charity plans to install electricity, appliances, and water in every stall. This initiative follows a devastating fire that affected the market earlier this year.

Branson Skinner, co-founder of The Or Foundation, shared the news at a town hall meeting. The meeting included traders, upcyclers, and other stakeholders on April 15. Skinner stated that the Foundation will fully fund the electrical installation as part of fire relief efforts.

“We want to rebuild Kantamanto Market safely and sustainably,” he said. “This electrification project supports the market’s recovery.”

Skinner also mentioned that The Or Foundation is working with several partners. These include the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Ghana Police Service, and SheGuards security firm. Together, they aim to create a professional security team for improved safety in the market.

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 throughout the marketplace for added safety.

Co-founder Liz Ricketts discussed the organization’s mission to support sustainable practices in Ghana’s secondhand clothing trade. “Kantamanto Market represents a model of circular economy,” she said proudly.

She noted that their focus has shifted from education to improving market conditions due to rising costs and declining clothing quality. “We want safe and legal electricity for all vendors,” Ricketts emphasized.

Samuel Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Operations for The Or Foundation, shared financial updates. They have distributed over GHS 22.5 million to more than 9,000 market members via mobile money. Additionally, they invested GHS 3 million in lumber for reconstruction efforts.

Owusu-Sekyere stressed collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure safe trading at Kantamanto Market. He clarified misconceptions about their role: "Kantamanto is government land; our focus is on improving conditions."

Samuel Mantey from AMA praised ongoing rebuilding efforts and called for unity among traders. He urged them to support each other in maintaining safety and security at the market.

Mantey confirmed that all activities by The Or Foundation are backed by an agreement with AMA. He also mentioned that AMA will send additional security personnel to enhance safety further.

Market Manager Atta Manu acknowledged the project's scale but noted it would take time to implement fully. "We need technicians to map out the entire system," he explained.

Other speakers from The Or Foundation highlighted their comprehensive work since 2020:

- Providing first aid to over 500 individuals
- Establishing a health post within the market
- Running apprenticeship programs for Kayayei
- Promoting upcycling businesses like fibreboard hanger production

Ruth Odoom praised The Or Foundation's support for her business growth through training programs. “I can now keep records of my daily transactions,” she shared.

Nana Konadu expressed concerns about losing capital due to damaged goods from used clothing imports. She appealed for continued advocacy from The Or Foundation: “Their help is necessary to protect traders like me.”