By Albert Allotey
Accra, April 12, GNA – The leadership of Kantamanto Market has distanced itself from Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA) strike and affirmed their support to The Or Foundation.
The Kantamanto Market leadership debunk the GUCDA’s claim that their strike represented the entire interest of Kantamanto traders.
“The GUCDA only represents a small segment of the secondhand clothing trade – mainly importers,” the leadership stated, emphasising that “GUCDA does not represent us.”
The leaders said the diverse community of small-scale retailers, head porters (kayayei), tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who drive the market’s daily operations are under the leadership of Kantamanto Market.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency by the Kantamanto leaders said they wanted to make this distinction clear to the public, the media and development stakeholders.
The Kantamanto leaders reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and their ongoing partnership with The Or Foundation.
They expressed support for The Or Foundation, highlighting its years of collaboration with Kantamanto retailers.
“The Or Foundation has earned the community’s trust through consistent support, including fire recovery aid, upcycling training, public health initiatives, and research carried out in partnership with market workers,” they noted.
The statement said the issue raised by the traders that around 40 per cent of second clothing that entered the market becomes waste was not misinformation – it is an accurate reflection.
“Traders often have no control over the contents of imported second clothing bales, which frequently contain torn, stained, outdated, or excess items that are difficult or impossible to sell,” it asserted.
“Waste is not a smear campaign – it is the reality we confront every day,” the leadership said, dismissing GUCDA’s suggestion that the issue was an attack on livelihoods.
The statement said, “We reject any effort to erase the voices of those who work hardest to sustain this market,” adding that attempts to incite protests would undermine the progress being made through local and international collaboration.
The leadership declared that Kantamanto Market remained opened and active despite recent challenges, including a devastating fire earlier this year.
The Kantamanto leaders expressed gratitude to The Or Foundation for providing essential support such as construction materials and emergency financial aid to over 9,000 people.
“Our resilience is strong, and our market is vibrant. We welcome all partners who want to trade, collaborate, and invest in a sustainable future,” the statement concluded.
GNA
GRB