By Albert Allotey
Accra, April 16, GNA – The Or Foundation, an Accra-based charity, has announced a major initiative to install electricity in every stall of Kantamanto Market, following the devastating fire that affected the market earlier this year.
Mr Branson Skinner, a Co-founder of The Or Foundation made this known at a town meeting with traders, upcyclers, and other stakeholders at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
He said the Foundation would fully fund the market-wide electrical installation as part of its ongoing fire relief efforts.
“We are committed to ensuring that the rebuilding of Kantamanto Market is not only about physical restoration but also about creating a safer, more sustainable environment for the traders,” he stated
Mr Skinner added that, “This electrification project is just one of the ways we are supporting the market’s recovery.”
He explained that in addition to the electrical installation, The Or Foundation was collaborating with key partners, including the AMA, the Ghana Police Service, Kantamanto Market leadership, and SheGaurds, a private security firm, to establish a professional security and first-response team to improve safety in the market.
Mr Skinner noted that since most market members were women, the security personnel would be trained in gender-based violence prevention, first aid, and fire-fighting techniques.
He said the Foundation was in the process of installing 1,000 fire extinguishers across the marketplace to enhance safety.
Ms Liz Rickets, another Co-founder of the Foundation said the ”Kantamanto Market today represents a model of circular economy, and a place where upcycling and reusing are at the heart of what people do, hence the Foundation is proud to support such a vibrant community.”
She reflected on the foundation’s evolution, noting that its initial focus on education shifted towards improving market conditions due to the declining quality of secondhand clothing and rising operational costs.
“We want to make sure, first and foremost, that the electricity in the market is safe and legally installed,” Ms Ricketts emphasised, stressing that equal access to electricity was essential for vendors who require power for business operations like fans and phone charging.
Mr Samuel Owusu-Sekyere, Director of Operations of The Or Foundation said the organisation had already distributed over 22.5 million Ghana cedis to more than 9,000 market members.
“In addition, we have invested three million Ghana cedis in purchasing lumber for the reconstruction of the market, to help businesses bounce back,” he stated.
He said the Foundation was working with the leadership of the market, the AMA, the Electricity Company of Ghana, the Ghana Fire Service, and other government institutions to ensure that Kantamanto becomes a place where people can trade safely and contribute to the country’s economy.
Mr Owusu-Sekyere pointed out that The Or Foundation’s partnership with the Kantamanto Market leadership was not to purchase the land as some people perceived, but working to improve the market’s conditions.
“Kantamanto is government land, and no NGO can buy it. Our focus is on improving the working environment and collaborating with stakeholders,” he emphasised.
Mr Samuel Mantey, a Director of Works at the AMA, lauded the ongoing efforts of the Foundation to rebuild the market and enhance its safety and called for unity among market members to work together to address the challenges facing the community.
GNA
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