The leadership of Kantamanto Market has rejected assertions made by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA) that The OR Foundation is trying to buy the market and collapse it.
The leadership has described the assertion as misleading and unrepresentative of the true voices within the market, hence the decision by GUCDA to go on strike is unreasonable.
In a statement the leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, sustainability, and an ongoing partnership with The OR Foundation, whose aim is to stop the dumping of used clothing into the ocean.
According to them, GUCDA represents only a small segment of the secondhand clothing trade—mainly importers—and not the diverse community of small-scale retailers, head porters (kayayei), tailors, upcyclers, and resellers who drive the market’s daily operations.
“GUCDA does not represent us,” the leadership emphasized.
The leadership also expressed strong support for The OR Foundation, highlighting its years of collaboration with Kantamanto retailers. They noted that 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.
“Their estimate that around 40% of clothing that enters the market becomes waste is not misinformation—it is an accurate reflection of our daily experience,” the leadership asserted.
They explained that traders often have no control over the contents of imported clothing bales, which frequently contain torn, stained, outdated, or excess items that are difficult or impossible to sell.
“Waste is not a smear campaign—it is the reality we confront every day”.
The leadership emphasised that the waste problem is systemic, stemming from overproduction in the Global North.
“Kantamanto and Ghana are not dumping grounds by choice, but by design. The global fashion system creates this imbalance, and until that is addressed, local traders will continue to bear the burden,” they said.
“We reject any effort to erase the voices of those who work hardest to sustain this market,” the statement said.
The leadership declared that Kantamanto Market remains open and active despite recent fire destruction.
They credited 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.
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