PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union wishes to, on a serious note, draw the attention of the Government of Ghana particularly the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to address the growing challenges confronting traders affected by the Kejetia Phase Two redevelopment project.

In 2021, traders at the Kumasi Central Market were evicted to pave way for the commencement of Phase Two of the Kejetia redevelopment project.

While some traders were relocated to the Racecourse, a majority have since been left scattered across various locations without permanent trading spaces.

Although the project commenced on a promising note, work has stalled significantly, and the stipulated completion period has elapsed without any clear communication or explanation to the affected traders. This situation continues to adversely affect their livelihoods.

A file photo of the project

Traders currently operating at the Racecourse are faced with severe challenges, including poor road networks, inadequate sanitation, poor lighting systems, and insecurity. These conditions have discouraged customer patronage, while the lack of security has exposed traders to frequent attacks and loss of capital.

Similarly, traders operating within the last section of the Central Market are grappling with flooding, offensive sewage odour, and large volumes of debris from the Aboabo lorry station and Alabar. These conditions pose serious health risks and are affecting their ability to conduct business effectively.

The Union recalls that during a recent visit to the Ashanti Region, Her Excellency the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, assured traders that work on the Kejetia Phase Two project would resume in March 2026. Unfortunately, this promise has not materialised.

The Union has gathered that the delay may be due to funding constraints. Consequently, we are calling on government to immediately release funds from the Escrow Account of the Phase One Project held at Fidelity Bank and Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank to facilitate the continuation of the project.

In view of the above, the Union is issuing a firm ultimatum to government and all relevant authorities to ensure the release of funds and resumption of work on the project by the end of May 2026.

Failure to comply will leave the Union with no option than to embark on a massive course of action.

The Union strongly recommends that the management of the market be handed over to a competent private entity that will prioritise the welfare and security of traders while ensuring efficient management of the facility.

We have also expressed deep dissatisfaction with current management, calling for a change in administration, urging government to hand over the market to the potential construction firm, Contracta to manage the market and to address safety concerns, operational inefficiencies, and debt.

Finally, the Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union humbly appeals to His Royal Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in this matter to ensure that work on Phase Two resumes without further delay, Kumasi City Market (Kejetia Dubai) is properly privatised, and the market is managed effectively in the interest of all traders.

Signed:
The Combined Kumasi Market Union
Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

Daniel Otuo Acheampong
Director of Operations
0244765553
Emilia Coffie
0245046066
Mary Boakye
0242668731
Michael Amponsah
0244505041
Samuel Obeng
0246452012

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