Business Daily Rebuilding Africa’s largest second-hand clothes market
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Feb 6, 2025 Explore the bustling Kantamanto market in Accra, where 15 million used garments flood in weekly, revealing the challenges of waste management. Hear about the vibrant dynamics transforming the local culture while addressing the environmental impact of discarded clothing. The devastating aftermath of a recent fire highlights the resilience of vendors and their struggles for recovery. Personal stories of loss illustrate the precarious nature of this recycling economy, raising questions about the fashion industry's role in supporting these communities.
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Early Bird Catches the Denim
- Vaida Oppong travels to Accra at 4 am to secure customers for her denim and leather apparel business.
- She meticulously sorts through bales of clothing, grading them based on quality and trendiness.
From Stigma to Staple
- Secondhand clothing in Ghana, called "obroni wawu" ("dead white man's clothes"), carries a historical stigma.
- Initially viewed as unwanted remnants, economic hardship shifted its perception into a booming industry catering to all social classes.
A Fisherman's Tale
- Jamestown Beach, Accra's main port, suffers from severe plastic and clothing pollution.
- This waste impacts local fishermen, clogging their outboard motors and affecting their livelihood.