The NPP Identifiable Groups of traders at the Kumasi Central market have debunked claims that members have decided to boycott the December 7, 2024 elections because the government has abandoned the Phase Two of the Kejetia Redevelopment project.
According to them, contrary to the reports, the projects have not been abandoned.
Last week, a section of the traders called on former President John Mahama to help complete the second phase of the Kejetia Project and Satellite markets in Kumasi, claiming the government had abandoned major projects in the Ashanti region. They also called for a boycott of the national elections.
But the leadership of the group has debunked the claims and position of the aggrieved group, saying members of the association have the civic right to vote.
Elder Emmanuel Gyeke, chairman of the NPP identifiable traders, explained at a news conference in Kumasi that no such decision or position has been taken by the association and that, no member should allow himself or herself to be influenced in the name of politics.
He emphasised that the group still identifies with policies and programmes by the government and that with time all projects would be duly executed.
The chairman of the group attributed the delay in executing the Kejetia project to the COVID-19 pandemic and that the decision was not intentional.
Nanabea Addo, Secretary for the group, on his part, explained that the government had not abandoned the project and that negotiations were still ongoing with the Contractor, following the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abena Kwabena, the Organaiser, also noted that the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government has provided reliefs in many interventions for Ghanaians and cautioned detractors to stop throwing dust into the eyes of members of the general public.
“We will vote on Election day in support of government policies and programmes”, he stressed.
Madam Hawa Abdallah, a member of the group, maintained that the traders have confidence in the NPP government and called on traders to rally behind the government in the implementation of programmes and projects.
President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of Kejetia Central Market phase 2 project on May 2, 2019 to boost economic growth in the region.
The redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market at the cost of €248 million is being financed by Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF)
The construction is being undertaken by Messrs Contracta Construction Ltd, UK, and it is expected to be completed in 48 months.
Upon completion, the redeveloped market will have 6,500 leasable commercial spaces; 5,400 closed stores; 800 kiosks; 50 restaurants; 210 fishmonger and butcher stores; forty 40 livestock stores and 1,800m square of community facilities.
