Leadership of Kantamanto Market distances itself from GUCDA strike

Kantamanto Market's leadership has rejected claims from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA). GUCDA alleged that The OR Foundation aims to buy and collapse the market.

The market leadership called these claims misleading and unrepresentative. They believe GUCDA's decision to strike is unreasonable.

In a statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and sustainability. They also emphasized their partnership with The OR Foundation. This partnership aims to stop used clothing dumping into the ocean.

The leadership noted that GUCDA represents only a small part of the secondhand trade. This group mainly consists of importers, not the diverse community of retailers, head porters, tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who operate daily in the market.

“The GUCDA does not represent us,” they stated firmly.

They expressed strong support for The OR Foundation. They highlighted years of collaboration with Kantamanto retailers. The foundation has gained community trust through consistent support like fire recovery aid and training programs.

“The estimate that 40% of clothing becomes waste is accurate,” they asserted. Traders often cannot control what’s in imported clothing bales. These bales frequently contain torn or outdated items that are hard to sell.

“Waste is not a smear campaign; it reflects our daily reality,” they explained.

The leadership pointed out that the waste issue is systemic. It arises from overproduction in the Global North.

“Kantamanto and Ghana are not dumping grounds by choice but by design,” they said. They added that local traders bear this burden until global issues are addressed.

“We reject any effort to silence those who sustain this market,” they stated clearly.

Despite recent fire damage, Kantamanto Market remains open and active.

They 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 interested in sustainable trade.”