Kantamanto Market Leaders oppose GUCDA’s authority, declare independence from clothing associations

The leadership of Kantamanto Market has formally distanced itself from the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the Importers Association, and other industry groups, asserting that they alone represent the interests of businesses operating within the market.

In a statement issued on Monday, the 13 section leaders of Kantamanto clarified their leadership structure, emphasizing that they collectively speak for retailers, upcyclers, shoe sellers, and other traders.

“We are independent of GUCDA, the Importers Association, and any other body within the used clothing industry,” the statement said , dismissing claims that external associations have authority over Kantamanto’s affairs.

Market leaders disclosed that the devastating fire that swept through the market on January 2, 2025, accelerated their efforts to strengthen internal leadership. They stressed that all media engagements, corporate partnerships, and government interactions should be directed solely through them to ensure accurate representation of traders’ concerns.

Market Manager Adutwum Atta Manu, who signed the statement on behalf of the leadership, was joined by Chairpersons Opoku Afreh and Michael Oppong, Market Section Leaders Samuel Amoah and Jerry Martey, Market Executive Daniel Ampadu, and Retailers’ Representative Mary Sarkodie.

The leaders also expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Ghana, corporate entities, and individuals for their overwhelming support following the disaster.

Full Statement from Kantamanto Market Leaders
Kantamanto, Accra, March 21, 2025 – The Kantamanto Market leaders wish to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Ghana, corporate entities, individuals, and the broader Ghanaian community for the overwhelming support received after the fire outbreak at the Kantamanto Market on January 2, 2025.

Your generosity and solidarity have played a critical role in saving lives and helping our members rebuild their livelihoods.

In light of recent inquiries, we want to emphasize that we, the 13 section leaders, represent and speak for the businesses in Kantamanto Market, including retailers, upcyclers, shoe sellers, and other trades.

We are not part of the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association (GUCDA), the Importers Association, or any other association in the used clothing industry. The recent fire accelerated our unionization process, which is now well underway.

We, therefore, call on media representatives, corporate organizations, and interested individuals who wish to engage with the market to reach out directly to us through the following Kantamanto Market leadership:

Adutwum Atta Manu (Market Manager) – 0545546513

Opoku Afreh (Chair) – 0201943966

Samuel Amoah (Market Section Leader) – 0244263386

Daniel Ampadu (Market Executive) – 0244215631

Michael Oppong (Chair) – 0243101539

Jerry Martey (Market Section Leader) – 0244640744

Mary Sarkodie (Rep: Retailers) – 0246448732

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