The leadership of Kantamanto Market has refuted claims made by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA) that The OR Foundation is attempting to take over and collapse the market.
Describing the assertion as misleading, the leadership emphasized that the GUCDA’s strike is unjustified and does not reflect the broader market community.
In a statement, the leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and sustainability, highlighting their ongoing partnership with The OR Foundation, which aims to reduce the dumping of used clothing into the ocean.
The leadership pointed out that GUCDA represents only a small portion of the secondhand clothing trade, primarily importers, and does not speak for the diverse group of small-scale retailers, head porters (kayayei), tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who make up the core of the market’s operations.
“We do not consider GUCDA to be our representative,” the leadership stressed.
Strongly supporting The OR Foundation, the leadership noted that years of collaboration have earned the community’s trust. The OR Foundation has provided consistent aid, including fire recovery support, upcycling training, public health initiatives, and research conducted in partnership with market workers.
Addressing the claim about waste in the market, the leadership stated that The OR Foundation’s estimate—around 40% of clothing entering the market becomes waste—is an accurate reflection of their daily experiences. Many imported clothing bales contain torn, stained, outdated, or excess items that cannot be sold.
The leadership clarified that the waste issue is a systemic problem caused by overproduction in the Global North. “Kantamanto and Ghana are not dumping grounds by choice, but by design,” they explained, stressing that the global fashion system is to blame.
They also rejected any efforts to silence the voices of those working hard to sustain the market, affirming that Kantamanto Market remains open and active despite recent fire damage. The leadership credited The OR Foundation for providing essential support, including construction materials and emergency financial aid to over 9,000 people.
“We are resilient, and our market is thriving. We welcome all partners who aim to trade, collaborate, and invest in a sustainable future,” the statement concluded.
